Japan – A team from Waseda University created the first adhesive ultrafine bandage for treating organs, a biodegradable membrane which dissolves in the body as the wound closes.

This dressing is almost transparent, measure seventy-five billionths of a meter thick and can cover the internal wounds until they close naturally. This adhesive membrane is designed using chitosan, a substance from the exoskeletons of crab, and a gelatin extracted from algae. Both materials promote healing and do not cause allergies.

While being thin, the dressing is also very flexible. Dr. Fujie explained that the membrane fits the shape of the body on which it is attached without glue. Tests conducted on the injury to the lung of a dog resulted in a complete healing of the wound within a month, with no visible scar.

Clinical trials on humans should begin within three years. The process commonly used by surgeons are to suture the wound with wire or staples or use of fibrin glue, a protein healing.

Dr. Fujie believes in extending the use of the dressing on the skin to heal wounds without leaving visible scars. He expects  a possible interest from the world of cosmetics for this product.