Spray-On Bandage

A new technology for applying thin layers of fiber to the skin could save lives in remote areas where immediate medical care is not available. It’s based on a well-known technique called electrospinning, which is used to deposit polymer fibers on a variety of surfaces. But because electrospinning requires very high voltages, the method is not suitable for use on biological materials.

Recently, a group of researchers combined an electrospinning device having a smaller electric field with pressurized gas in what they have dubbed the electrostatic and air driven (EStAD) device. It works like a paint sprayer to safely deposit a fiber mat onto the surface of the skin. EStAD has been tested on a porcine skin incision and a gloved human hand.

The fibers can also be laced with antibiotics, hormones or other drugs to enhance healing. The bandage material as well as the medications can be selected as needed for the application.