Medical Design Briefs - September 2023 - 50

Programmable 3D Printed Wound Dressing Improves
Treatment for Burn, Cancer Patients
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON, Canada
O
ne of the challenges in treating burn
victims is the frequency of dressing
changes, which can be extremely painful.
To bring relief to this pain and related
problems, University of Waterloo
researchers have created a new type of
wound dressing material using advanced
polymers. This new dressing could enhance
the healing process for burn patients
and have potential applications for
drug delivery in cancer treatment as well
as in the cosmetic industry.
" To treat burn victims, we can customize
the shape using a 3D printer; secondly,
the material has fine-tuned surface adhesion,
which is a key feature, " says Dr.
Boxin Zhao, a professor in Waterloo's
department of chemical engineering,
whose team has made significant strides
in developing intelligent hydrogel materials
for use as a reusable wound dressing.
" The material can easily adhere to
the skin and be taken off. It's a very delicate
balance within the material to make
the adhesion work. "
In developing the dressing, the researchers
conducted a 3D scan of the patient's
face and body parts to customize
it to an individual's needs. This enables
the dressing to make good contact with
surfaces like noses and fingers, making
it ideal for creating personalized wound
dressings for burn patients.
The material also has applications for
cancer treatment. In traditional chemotherapy
treatment, a patient may need
to be in a clinic for hours, which can be
tiring and uncomfortable. This dressing
can provide a constant drug release outside
the clinic setting, alleviating some of
the challenges associated with traditional
methods.
The material used to create these
smart dressings includes a biopolymer
derived from seaweed, a thermally responsive
polymer, and cellulose nanocrystals.
The dressing's thermal responsiveness
allows it to warm on the skin
and gently lower to room temperature.
Additionally, when chilled in the fridge,
the dressing expands but shrinks to a
smaller size at body temperature, making
it easier and less painful to remove.
Also, the dressing is designed to provide
time-release medication, allowing for
longer-lasting pain relief.
" We also envision applications in
Researchers have developed intelligent hydrogel materials for use as a reusable wound dressing. (Credit:
University of Waterloo)
the beauty and cosmetic industry, " says
Zhao, Waterloo's Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology.
" Cosmetologists can utilize
3D scanning technology to analyze their
clients' facial features and customize hydrogel
masks infused with specific facial
and skin regimen products. Additionally,
this innovative approach can benefit
plastic surgeons. "
This research is proof of concept
for Zhao's Surface Science and Bionanomaterials
Laboratory Group. The
next step for Zhao's research group is
to continue improving the material's
properties to make it healthier and
commercially viable.
A study highlighting the team's progress
was recently published in the Journal
of Colloids and Interfacial Science.
For more information, visit https://
Demonstrating the multithermal aspects of the wound dressing. (Credit: University of Waterloo)
50
uwaterloo.ca. Contact: Boxin Zhao, zhaib@
uwaterloo.ca. A video of the technology is
available at https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=9vPE05rQbm4&t=1s.
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Medical Design Briefs, September 2023

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Medical Design Briefs - September 2023

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