Nanosuture instead of scar tissue
Light and dye are used to stimulate tissue to repair itself. Dr. Irene Kochevar and Dr. Robert Redmond, two researchers at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine in Massachusetts, have developed a new photochemical method over the last few years to enhance wound healing in tissues after surgery.
The Photochemical Tissue Bonding (PTB) technique is used to apply light-activated dye on tissue surfaces with subsequent activation of cross-linking of tissues and formation of a waterproof suture. In the case of Rose Bengal, a light-activated dye, laser light induces electron transfer between the dye molecule and the tissue component collagen. This produces highly reactive free radicals that cause the molecular chains of collagen to chemically bond to each other, creating a cross link. When Rose Bengal is applied to the wound edges and illuminated with laser, a nanosuture is formed by bonding collagen fibers.
The benefits compared to conventional wound sutures: there are no foreign substances that could contribute to scar tissue formation. The suture is tight, preventing bacteria from entering, thus reducing the risk of infection.
In the last few years, the new technique has been tested on restoring skin, ligaments and even blood vessels, nervous tissue and callus. In most cases, in vitro studies were followed by promising studies on appropriate animal models. The latest results on the use of PBT for healing nervous tissue were published a short time ago (Surgery 2009. 145(3): 313).
In a current study, PBT is used on patients after excision of skin tumors. This is not done only to improve the cosmetic appearance but in particular to reduce the risk of hypertrophic scar formation, a serious and long-term complication. The two researchers at the Wellman Center described Photochemical Tissue Bonding as a platform technology used in many areas of surgery.
