Coppe researchers develop bandage with nanotechnology and castor oil to treat chronic wounds

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Unir engenharia de materiais, nanotecnologia e um conhecimento tradicional da medicina popular pode parecer inusitado. Mas foi exatamente essa Combining materials engineering, nanotechnology and traditional knowledge of folk medicine may seem unusual. But it was exactly this combination that led Coppe/UFRJ researchers to develop a nanostructured bandage for the treatment of chronic wounds, with potential for commercial application and a direct impact on public health.

The research was conducted at the Biopolymers and Bioengineering Laboratory (Biopoli), linked to Coppe’s Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Program, under the coordination of Professor Rossana Thiré, with the participation of researchers Javier Anaya-Mancipe, José Anaya-Mancipe and Marceli Conceição (who are currently affiliated with other laboratories).

The study resulted in the development of a dressing composed of polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers incorporated with castor oil (extracted from the Ricinus communis plant, the castor bean), a substance popularly known for its healing properties..

Engineering validating folk medicine

The use of castor oil to treat skin lesions is traditional in several countries. However, its clinical use still lacked scientific validation and dosage control.

“Our line of research seeks to provide a scientific basis for folk medicine. Natural products may have important anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but in large quantities they can be toxic. That is why we study the concentration, stability and performance of the material,” explains Professor Rossana Thiré.

The line of research was initiated in 2012, with the goal always being to develop products with regulatory viability — using materials already accepted by Anvisa to facilitate future approval stages. “In this particular study, four polymeric materials and seven phytotherapeutic extracts were tested, such as propolis, aloe vera, mastruz, plantain and others,” says Rossana, coordinator of Biopoli.

“The use of castor oil was common in Colombia, but unusual in Brazil for the treatment of skin wounds. We initially researched its use for the treatment of burns. But its use can be expanded to chronic skin wounds in general,” reports Javier Anaya-Mancipe, the Biopoli postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the study.

Why does nanotechnology make a difference in healing?

Chronic wounds — common in diabetic, elderly, or circulatory patients — require a controlled environment to heal properly.

The difference with the new dressing lies in the nanostructure of the polymeric fibers, which allows for:

• Improved fluid absorption (up to 60% increase in swelling)
• Controlled release of bioactive compounds
• Greater flexibility and adaptation to the skin
• Maintenance of an ideal moist environment for regeneration
   

Reducing the hydrophobicity of the material improves its interaction with the injured tissue, promoting biocompatibility and cell regeneration.

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and collagen synthesis-stimulating properties—an essential element for healing.

From traditional knowledge to high-technology biomaterial

One of the study’s distinguishing features was the use of a commercially available formulation already applied clinically, instead of pure oil. This brings the research closer to market reality and facilitates future commercial adoption.

By transforming a traditional herbal medicine into a nanostructured medical device, the work creates a bridge between nature and cutting-edge engineering.

The researchers used electron microscopy and spectroscopy to characterize the fibers, in addition to physicochemical essays and in vitro tests to evaluate absorption and wettability.

The results were published in the journal Ingeniería y Investigación, from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

Potential impact on public health

Chronic wounds represent a high cost for healthcare systems and significantly impact patients’ quality of life.

More efficient bandages can:

• Reduce hospital stay time
• Decrease the risk of infection
• Improve patient comfort
• Reduce hospital costs
   

According to Professor Rossana, the next step is to move on to animal testing and seek regulatory approval.

“Our laboratory works towards practical application. Detailed characterization of the materials is fundamental for obtaining approval from Anvisa,” she emphasizes.