New plasma-coated bandages can attack infection and could revolutionise the treatment of chronic wounds.

Local researchers have developed a novel coating with a special antioxidant that can be applied to any wound dressing to simultaneously reduce wound inflammation and break up infection.

In Australia, nearly half a million people suffer from chronic wounds, costing the health system an estimated $AU3 billion each year.

With growing rates of global obesity, diabetes and an ageing population, chronic wounds are increasingly affecting large proportions of the general population, yet until this breakthrough discovery, few treatments have shown such positive results.

Lead researcher Dr Thomas Michl says upgrading current dressings with this state-of-the-art coating will promote effective healing on chronic wounds and reduce patient suffering.

“Proper care for chronic wounds requires frequent changes of wound dressings but currently, these wound dressings are passive actors in wound management,” Dr Michl says.

“Our novel coatings change this, turning any wound dressing into an active participant in the healing process – not only covering and protecting the wound, but also knocking down excessive inflammation and infection.

“No other method achieves this to date.”

The technology is highly scalable and sustainable, making it a viable option for broad application worldwide.

The team is now investigating the shelf-life of the coatings with encouraging results. Next steps are pre-clinical trials with products potentially available in two to three years.

More information is accessible here.