Bhubaneswar: Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a smart wound dressing that helps prevent infections, reduces pain during dressing removal, and promotes faster healing, offering a promising alternative to conventional cotton gauze bandages.

The innovation was developed by a research team led by Dr. Prasoon Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, to overcome the limitations of traditional wound dressing materials.

Cotton gauze is widely used because it is affordable, absorbent, and easy to apply. It effectively absorbs blood, manages wound discharge, and supports the application of ointments. However, conventional gauze does not prevent infections and often sticks to the wound surface. Removing the dressing can damage newly formed tissue, causing pain and delaying the healing process.

To address these issues, the researchers developed a smart dressing that combines chitosan-coated cotton gauze with an electrospun nanofibrous layer containing curcumin, a natural compound known for its antimicrobial properties.

The nanofibrous layer is placed between the wound and the gauze, preventing the dressing from sticking directly to the wound. This reduces the risk of tissue damage during dressing removal while allowing curcumin to be released gradually onto the wound.

According to the researchers, the sustained release of curcumin helps maintain a sterile wound environment, provides long-lasting antibacterial protection, and reduces the need for frequent dressing changes and additional medication.

"Our laboratory studies showed that the smart dressing significantly reduces wound adhesion compared to conventional cotton gauze. The sustained release of curcumin from the nanofibrous layer offers antibacterial protection, while the nanofibrous structure supports cell growth and tissue regeneration," Kumar said.

He added that the technology is also designed to remain affordable. A standard cotton gauze bandage roll measuring 10 cm by 4 metres costs around Rs 30, while the advanced smart bandage of a similar size is expected to cost around Rs 50 to Rs 60 when produced on a commercial scale.

The research findings have been published in the journal Emergent Materials. The study was co-authored by Assistant Professors Devendra Verma and Earu Banoth, along with research scholars Swagatika Barik, Rika Rani Pradhan, Shikha Tripathi, and Samadrita Roy.