Researchers in China have unveiled a revolutionary wound dressing that could transform burn treatment worldwide. A team from Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology and Ruijin Hospital has engineered a bacterial cellulose (BC) biomaterial infused with thrombin – the body’s natural clotting enzyme – creating what experts call a 'bioactive breakthrough' in emergency care.
The innovation addresses a critical challenge: controlling rapid blood loss during burn surgeries. Traditional thrombin applications often wash away quickly, but scientists solved this by adding a 'biological glue tag' that anchors the enzyme firmly to the breathable BC membrane. The resulting Thrombin-Anchored BC (T-BC) dressing achieved complete hemostasis in under 60 seconds during trials, according to findings published in Advanced Materials.
Beyond stopping bleeding, the material demonstrates perfect biocompatibility with human tissue and activates the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This dual-action technology could significantly reduce surgical complications and recovery times for severe burn patients.
Dr. Li Wei, a biomedical engineer at SIAT, explains: 'By merging nature’s clotting systems with advanced material science, we’re creating smarter solutions for trauma care.' The team is now accelerating clinical trials, with hopes for regulatory approval within two years.
This development comes as global demand grows for sustainable medical materials. Bacterial cellulose, produced through microbial fermentation, offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dressings while maintaining superior breathability and flexibility.
