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Scientists create laser-soldering technique for wound closure using nanoparticles

This advancement promises a gentler, more effective way to heal wound

14-Feb-2024

Key points from article :

Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich have invented a needle-free way to close wounds using a laser and special nanoparticle paste that acts like solder.

This new technique is designed to be gentler and more reliable than stitches, particularly in delicate tissues or internal organs where traditional sutures can cause problems.

The nanoparticle paste contains light-sensitive particles that heat up to bond tissue; other particles act as tiny thermometers for precise temperature control during the procedure.

The researchers successfully tested this method on various tissues (including pancreas, liver, intestines) in collaboration with hospitals in Switzerland, the U.S., and the Czech Republic.

The team adapted the process to use infrared light, making it safer and easier to use in standard operating rooms, and they've filed a patent for the nanoparticle paste.

This development holds the potential to revolutionise how surgeries are performed, offering a safer and more effective way to accelerate wound healing.

Mentioned in this article:

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Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)

Public research university for technology and science

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)

Swiss institute for applied materials science and technology

Topics mentioned on this page:
Medical Technology, Nanomedicines
Scientists create laser-soldering technique for wound closure using nanoparticles