Treatment

Common treatment options for chronic wounds include wound debridement (removing dead tissue), wound dressings (covering the wound to keep it moist and protect it from infection), and the use of topical or systemic antimicrobials (to fight infections). Compression therapy (applying pressure to reduce swelling and improve blood flow) is often used for chronic leg ulcers. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or address underlying conditions. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and electrical stimulation have also been used as alternative treatments for chronic wounds. It's important to note that treatment plans are tailored to each patient's individual needs and the specific characteristics of their wound.

FORCE REPAIR aims to create a personalized and multifunctional wound dressing through 3D-printed biological scaffolds to address chronic wounds in a tailored way. The dressing will modulate mechanical forces, reduce infections, and promote skin regeneration by placing biomaterial components in specific locations within the scaffold to elicit various biological responses. This smart wound dressing will have a prolonged regenerative effect of at least 15 days, which will reduce the need for daily nurse attention to change the dressing and increase the probability of wound healing without reopening. By offering a personalised wound dressing that stimulates the healing process, FORCE REPAIR aims to decrease healthcare costs in the long term, despite the higher initial cost of the product compared to current commercial options.