University of Newcastle technology could speed up recovery for burns patients

Newy 87.8 FM – A new medical engineering technology developed at the University of Newcastle could significantly improve recovery outcomes for burn patients.

The breakthrough overcomes a longstanding limitation in wound dressings: maintaining reliable, long-term adhesion with soft, tissue-like materials without causing damage or discomfort, while withstanding moisture and movement.

The research team, led by Associate Professor Behnam Akhavan, an ARC DECRA Fellow at the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), developed a platform that allows medical patches, wound dressings, soft robotics and wearable health devices to stay in place longer while continuing to deliver treatment and monitor healing.

Traditionally, burn wound care requires frequent and often painful dressing changes, which can slow recovery and increase infection risk.

"It allows wound dressings to remain in place for longer periods while enabling liquid treatments, such as antibacterial therapies, to pass through the dressing. This means fewer dressing changes, less pain for patients and improved healing conditions," Associate Professor Akhavan said.

The innovation combines a soft therapeutic gel with a stretchable polymer backing, bonded using a plasma-based process. One side contacts the wound while the other can host a sensing layer, giving clinicians real-time feedback on factors such as pressure.

In laboratory testing at seven days post-injury, the new technology drove wound closure up to 90 per cent, compared with 50 per cent for conventional dressings over the same period.

The technology is patent pending in Australia and internationally through the PCT process.

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