NASA develops advanced bandage that heals wounds faster in Space

NASA has perfected a new and revolutionary “Electric Bandage” which quickens the wound healing process in space by using select and targeted amounts of electricity. The new and high-tech material is known as Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), and it will considerably reduce the time taken to heal the wounds.

Space travel involves a lot of risks, and the human body and its physiology display different characteristics in the space. Wounds heal more slowly in space than on Earth. Hence considering the enormous costs involved in space travel, it will be crucial to have the electric bandage to do the trick.

The electric bandage as the name suggests produces small amounts of electricity while it interacts with another surface which includes the human skin. If the fibers which are present in the bandage is aligned correctly, the wound cells will use it as a support and will heal the wound much faster.

The fiber has been developed by Emilie Siochi, a materials scientist at NASA’s Langley Research Centre and is a simple, cheap means of producing the fibers of the required fiber diameter, porosity, and thickness. The bandage is so sensitive that even a push or a blow will create an electric charge.  The dressing which is made of PVDF is stimulated by the heat of the body and the pressure from cell growth thus negating any need for external power source.

The bandage also helps to reduce the risk of infections and other related complications like septicemia or amputation because if infections. The invention also has potential military use and could be used on patients who have undergone surgery or have suffered a serious injury and by astronauts in space.

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Meenakshi Rawat

Having worked on Entertainment, Technology, and Business for four years, Meenakshi finds solace in technology, and more so in covering it. She loves to read novels, listen to music, and roam around places. You can reach Meenakshi at meenakshi@pc-tablet.com.