Chemists unveil polymer that heals itself at body temperature
Scientists have led the development of a new material that can repair itself at body temperature. The polymer opens the door to new self-healing wound dressings for use in medicine. Other potential applications include self-healing vehicle paint.
Experts not involved in the study have hailed the discovery as ‘beautiful'.
Safe to humans
While self-healing polymers have been developed before, the new material is remarkable because it is safe to humans and works at temperatures as low as 37 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for use in healthcare. The supramolecular polyurethane, ‘flows' like a liquid when cut or scraped, filling in the damage in a couple of hours before its molecules bind together to become solid again.
Sterile barrier
The research was conducted at University of Reading, and was led by Professor Wayne Hayes, from the University's School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, which has been at the forefront of research into self-healing resins. Professor Hayes said: “Anyone who has had to replace an old bandage knows it can be very painful and can easily damage healing skin.
Non-toxic
“Our work shows that this new material not only repairs itself at body temperature, but is non-toxic, so is an ideal material for use in healthcare settings. This material could maintain a sterile barrier as part of a wound dressing while constantly repairing and renewing itself, reducing the need for replacement. It could even be adapted to naturally break down over time, similar to dissolvable stitches, making it suitable for internal use in surgery as well as for dressing wounds.”
Repairing scratches
Other potential applications include self-healing vehicle paint, or as coating for mobile phones, which could repair scratches or scuffs automatically with only mild heat.
The research is published with open access in the journal Chemical Science.
