UC Riverside Develops Oxygen-Delivering Gel to Combat Chronic Wounds
Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a new oxygen-delivering gel aimed at treating chronic wounds, which are injuries that remain unhealed for over a month. This gel addresses a key issue in chronic wound healing: insufficient oxygen supply deep within damaged tissue. The gel, tested in animal models, acts as a miniature electrochemical system that releases oxygen steadily, helping to convert chronic wounds into ones that heal more typically. The gel is composed of water and a choline-based liquid, which is antibacterial, nontoxic, and biocompatible. It molds to the wound's shape, delivering oxygen to areas where it is most needed. This innovation could significantly reduce the risk of amputations among patients with chronic wounds, a condition affecting millions globally.