Plant-based wound dressing developed

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a novel wound dressing made from sustainable plant-based polymers that delivers antibiotics directly to wounds, reducing biofilm formation by over 90% within four hours. The study, published in Bioactive Materials, is the first to use furan-based polymers for infection-fighting dressings. The dressing has two sides: one releases tetracycline rapidly, while the other acts as a barrier. Tests against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed significant reduction in bacterial growth and biofilm formation, with no toxicity to human skin cells. Collaborators included the University of Bristol and Newcastle University. The NHS could benefit from reduced costs associated with wound infections, which cost billions annually. Further development and clinical trials are needed before widespread use.