Odisha Scientist's Turmeric Bandage Gives Healing Touch To Diabetic Wounds

Bhubaneswar: For people with diabetic, who are worried over slow or the non-healing of their wounds, here comes a good news. A group of scientists at the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) here have developed a turmeric bandage that is believed to help heal wounds of diabetic patients.

The nanoparticulate curcumin (molecule of turmeric) in the turmeric has the antimicrobial properties to heal the wounds, claimed senior scientist Dr Sanjeeb Sahoo who has developed the technology.

"Several research papers have published on this subject which says that curcumin can heal diabetic wounds. We are hopeful that in future we can prove that this bandage can help cure diabetic wounds," Sahoo said.

According to Sahoo, Biodegradable Chitosan and Alginate polymer have been used in the bandage. Therefore, the bandage will absorb in the wound site itself. It can be used in injuries, blood clots and even burn wounds.

Sahoo added, "The polymer we have developed is non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible. If we use the bandage which is very thin in the wound, it will gradually absorbed in the wound and the wound will heal automatically. There is no need to remove the bandage."

The patent of the technology has been registered in four countries - India, US, Europe and Australia. Recently, the ILS signed an agreement with a private company to make the bandage available in the market.

ILS Director Ajay Parida said, "The technology was recently transferred to Golap Pharmaceuticals Private Limited. They have set up a factory at a cost of Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 crore to begin the production. After its, production, the bandage will receive approval from the drug competent authority and available in the market in 6-7 months."

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)