Voice-over:
Patients with serious wounds must go through multiple re-bandagings so the sores do not get
infected. But even with frequent changing, some wound wraps are unable to prevent infection, let
alone speed healing. Although topical ointments protect wounds for awhile, the medicines
often wear off.
Voice-over:
Now University of Florida wound specialists say they’ve developed a new method of bonding a powerful biocidal (bio-sigh-dull), a bacteria-killing, fungus-fighting medication, onto standard gauzes and dressings during anufacturing. The method keeps wound dressings sterile for days, not just hours. U-F researchers say their process
prevents the medicine from diffusing and losing its effectiveness over time, helping to ward off infection. Tests also show that bacteria normally resistant to some antibiotics don’t develop resistance with the new approach.
Dr. Gregory Schultz / UF molecular biologist:
“The reason bacteria don’t develop resistance to our material is because all of the microbicidal killing occurs at the membrane of the cells rather than having to diffuse into the cell. So that means the bacteria would have to mutate or change its entire surface construction to be able to not be killed by our material.”
Voice-over:
Experts are also working with garment manufacturers to develop ready-to-wear clothing that features a built-in antibacterial, antifungal treatment. And although civilians will likely see it on store shelves first, the U-S military may also use the clothing in the form of biocidal tube socks that would keep troops’ feet fresh longer. Athlete’s foot is a big problem for soldiers in the field who can’t shower regularly, and researchers say biocidal clothing could greatly reduce these fungal infections.
Dr. Gregory Schultz / UF molecular biologist:
“We would anticipate that based on our results with ready to wear clothing that this treatment would provide the soldier deployed in the field with a comfortable garment that also doesn’t develop body odor and also doesn’t contribute to the development of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.”
Voice-over:
At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I’m Mike Garrison
