Russian Scientists Develop New Biocompatible Material for Wound Treatment with Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

Scientists from St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in Russia have developed a new biocompatible material that can be used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria and fungi. This innovative material has shown high antibacterial and antifungal effects in experiments on mice, with no significant side effects on the skin tissue.The research results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Surface Science. According to the researchers, the new material could replace traditional wound dressings and not only protect the wound but also support the healing process of the skin.The newly developed biomaterial was produced based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The research team added copper-based metal-organic nanocrystals, known as HKUST-1, to the material to give it antibacterial and antifungal properties.Evgeniya Pochkaeva, a researcher involved in the project, stated that the optimal balance between the polymer structure and nanocrystals increases biocompatibility and provides strong protection against microorganisms.According to the researchers, the developed material showed effective results against common bacteria and model fungal organisms. Alexander Timin, Head of the Laboratory of Nano and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at SPbPU, said that the developed technology is suitable for mass production and can be scaled up for industrial production.