Researchers from Lund University, Sweden, have come up with a new hydrogel-based on the natural peptide defense of the body. The invention has proven to treat and prevent infections in cuts and wounds. The formula destroys multi-resistant bacteria, which has been rising considerably. Furthermore, there has been a rise in antibiotic resistance across the globe.
Artur Schmidtchen is a professor of venereology and dermatology at Lund University, Sweden. Professor Schmidtchen opines that the ability to heal wounds is extremely important for survival. Peptides in wounds protect against infections caused by bacteria. Peptides prevent toxins from causing inflammation. The newly developed gel is based on the natural defense mechanisms of the body and comes with a dual effect. Moreover, it treats the wounds so that it heals quickly and at the same time, it also prevents bacteria causing any kind of inflammation, adds professor Schmidtchen.
High Prevalence of Multi-resistant Bacteria Calls for New Treatment MethodsÂ
There has been a growing need for novel treatments that would speed up the healing process and at the same time lessen complications in wounds. It often happens that wounds like surgical wounds, burns, cuts, and others do not heal quickly and easily. Existing treatments are mainly targeting only bacteria. Furthermore, the treatment of a patient suffering from wounds involves antibiotics so as to prevent infection. Different antiseptics are used to treat the wounds.
The wide use of antibiotics is contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance. Infections laden with multi-resistant bacteria have become a serious issue and it cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Professor Schmidtchen states that both antiseptics and antibiotics kill the bacteria but it does not treat the ensuing harmful inflammation. In addition to that, the treatment of non-ecofriendly wounds involves the use of active substances adds professor Schmidtchen.
The newly developed wound gel is not only antibacterial but it also comes with an immunosuppressive effect. The scientists had earlier exhibited that the peptides present in the gel are capable of inactivating lipopolysaccharides or LPS. The cell walls of bacteria contain LPS and it causes an inflammatory reaction. This reaction is a crucial part of the human immune system, which provokes rapid response to fight inflammation-causing bacteria
