Foot ulcers are a common and serious complication of diabetes, affecting about 15% of diabetic patients1. They are open sores that develop on the feet, usually due to poor blood circulation, nerve damage, or infection. Foot ulcers can be very painful and difficult to heal, and they can lead to serious consequences such as amputation or death if left untreated.
One of the challenges of treating foot ulcers is that they often become infected by bacteria that form biofilms, which are protective layers of slime that make the bacteria resistant to antibiotics and immune system attacks. Biofilms can also prevent the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the wound, slowing down the healing process.
To overcome this challenge, a team of researchers at the University of South Australia has developed a novel treatment method that involves plasma-activated hydrogel therapy (PAHT). Plasma is the fourth state of matter, consisting of ionized gas that contains reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). RONS are molecules that can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration.
PAHT uses a chemical combination of oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite, to activate a hydrogel dressing that contains plasma. The hydrogel is a soft and moist material that can adhere to the wound and provide a moist environment for healing. The activated hydrogel releases RONS into the wound, destroying the biofilm and enhancing the wound healing.
The researchers have tested PAHT on diabetic foot ulcers in animal models and human patients, and they have found that it is more effective than conventional treatments, such as silver dressings or antibiotics. PAHT can significantly increase the healing rate, reduce the healing time, decrease the ulcer area, and lower the risk of amputation. PAHT can also avoid the side effects of antibiotics, such as allergic reactions or antibiotic resistance.
The table below summarizes the advantages of PAHT over conventional treatments for diabetic foot ulcers:
| Treatment | Advantages of PAHT |
|---|---|
| Silver dressings | – More effective in killing bacteria and biofilms
– More cost-effective |
| Antibiotics | – No risk of allergic reactions or antibiotic resistance
– No need for systemic administration or monitoring |
| Negative pressure wound therapy | – Less invasive and painful
– Less risk of bleeding or infection |
PAHT is a promising technology that could revolutionize the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and other chronic wounds. It could also be applied to internal infections or cancerous tumors, by activating drugs within gels injected into the body. The researchers are currently working on optimizing the PAHT formulation and delivery system, as well as conducting more clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy.
