A groundbreaking new bandage developed by researchers at UNMC could transform wound care by accelerating healing and dramatically reducing scarring.
Led by Sangamesh Kumbar, PhD, professor, and Sama Abdulmalik, PhD, assistant professor, in the UNMC College of Dentistry, the team has created a first-of-its-kind “electroceutical” bandage that combines chemical and electrical stimulation to supercharge the body’s natural healing process.
The innovation, recently accepted for publication in the journal Biomaterials, integrates a nerve-repair drug (4-aminopyridine) with controlled electrical pulses delivered through a smart, ionically conductive chitosan-based bandage. The result? Faster wound closure, reduced inflammation and healthier, more functional skin regeneration in laboratory models.
“This is more than a bandage — it’s a healing system,” Dr. Kumbar said. “By combining ionic and electrical cues, we’re activating biological pathways that neither approach could trigger on its own. The mechanism offers a powerful strategy to improve wound repair, restore tissue function and reduce scarring.”
The team’s earlier research in peripheral nerve repair laid the foundation for this breakthrough. Now, they’re applying the same principles to skin wounds — where scarring remains a persistent clinical challenge.
In lab studies, the dual-action bandage significantly boosted the activity of skin-repairing cells, improved collagen structure and even stimulated the expression of neurotrophic factors — proteins that support nerve and tissue repair.
“Our goal is to move beyond passive wound dressings,” Dr. Abdulmalik said. “This technology actively guides the healing process, which could be a game-changer for both civilian and military medicine.”
The research now is progressing into larger preclinical models, with the aim of bringing this next-generation wound care solution closer to clinical use.
Congratulations Dr. Kumbar, Dr. Abdulmalik, and everyone on your team!
Thank you for wishes!
Great, Many Congratulations!
Thank you for wishes!
Congrats, Keep up all the good work. I am very happy to hear your success stories.
Thank you for wishes, support and help!
Great work! This especially hits home right now as my elderly mother continues to heal from skin cancer removal on her face and head – some requiring skin grafts. Advances to help wounds heal quicker and better are very exciting!
That is so touching to hear. Thank you for sharing your mother’s story with me. It is exactly this kind of real-world impact that motivates my team and me every day. I wish your mother a smooth and speedy recovery.
So impressive! Making the College of Dentistry proud.
Thank you! The entire team is working hard to make the College of Dentistry proud, and your support means a lot.
Congratulations to both of you. Have you tried this on shingles patients? Delayed healing and pain are a real challenge for these patients.