Heals ulcers in just 11 days: scientists have developed an affordable and effective healing bandage.

A new bandage costing just 1 dollar has the potential to revolutionize wound treatment, as the water used in it generates an electric field that accelerates healing, according to its creators. Chronic wounds, affecting around 2% of Americans alone, can lead to serious complications such as infections and amputations. Existing treatment methods are often ineffective or too expensive, with some costing over 20,000 dollars per wound, reports StudyFinds.

The new bandage, described in the journal Science Advances, offers a cost-effective and accessible alternative to modern wound healing techniques. The water-activated device, named WPED, activates a built-in battery made of magnesium and silver/silver chloride when water is added. This generates a gentle electric field, stimulating the wound and promoting faster healing.

"Our goal was to develop a much less expensive technology that accelerates wound healing in patients with chronic wounds," says Amai Bandodkar, an associate professor at North Carolina State University and a study author. The bandage, designed by researchers, is lightweight, flexible, and intended for home use. Laboratory tests have shown that it maintains its effectiveness under various temperatures and pressures.

The device conforms to the uneven surface of the wound, directing electrical stimulation precisely where it is needed. "The ability to adapt is very important, as we want the electric field to be directed from the wound's periphery to its center," explains Rajaram Kaveti from North Carolina State University. A built-in indicator panel changes color when the device is fully activated.

In diabetic mice, wounds treated with WPED healed significantly faster. By day 11, 75% of wounds with electrical stimulation had completely closed, compared to 12.5% in the non-stimulation group and none in the control group.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a major cause of amputations, making it urgent for healthcare systems worldwide to find new treatment methods. "The last FDA-approved therapy was developed over 25 years ago," says Aristidis Veves, a professor of surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Center. With further refinement and clinical trials, this water-activated, low-cost bandage could become a simple yet effective solution for millions of people in need of better wound care.