The Hindu : BARC scientists develop wound-healing technique

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 28, 2003

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BARC scientists develop wound-healing technique

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI SEPT.27. Scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre have developed a new wound-healing technique that could be used for a wide range of applications, from burns to diabetic foot ulcers, leprosy ulcers and animal bites, which are generally very difficult to heal.

A significant feature of the development is that it is a spin-off of basic research in radiation chemistry and radiation technology pursued by scientists belonging to the BARC's Chemistry and Isotope Group.

The technique is based on the principle of hydrogel, which is increasingly becoming popular in the developed world as a means for wound healing as it is made by trapping water in a three-dimensional polymer and consequently it is fully bio-compatible. Apart from wound healing applications, hydrogel process is also used in the production of contact lens, artificial cartilages or membranes, vascular prosthesis, gel-coated catheters and other similar products.

Noting that hydrogel wound dressings are presently available mainly in developed countries as they are too expensive, an official spokesperson said the BARC scientists' breakthrough is also remarkable as the indigenously developed product would be much cheaper and, therefore, be accessible to a larger section of people.

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