UA Receives NorTech Award for Nanofiber Bandages

Akron, Ohio, Oct. 11, 2006 — The University of Akron has received the NorTech Innovation Award for its development of nanofiber bandages that more effectively treat patients with slow-healing wounds.

In presenting the award Tuesday, NorTech named the nanobandage “an outstanding breakthrough technology that is benefiting Northeast Ohio.”

“The NorTech award is testimony to the extremely high caliber of research being performed at The University of Akron,” says Dr. George Newkome, UA vice president for research and dean of the graduate school. “Beneficiaries of this activity include consumers, business, industry and the students who work alongside our researchers.”

Newkome notes that nanofiber development at UA has extended far beyond bandages. For example, UA researchers have coated nanofibers with metals or carbon for energy devices, and even made flexible ceramic nanofibers for high-temperature filtration applications.

Much smaller than conventional fibers, nanofibers have unique properties. University of Akron chemistry professor Dr. Daniel Smith and polymer science professor Dr. Darrell Reneker saw an opportunity to use nanofibers to make highly absorbent bandages that would slowly release drugs to a wound.

UA's nanofiber bandage was initially tested in clinical trials for leishmaniasis in Columbia, South America. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of sand flies. It has widely affected U.S. troops stationed in the Persian Gulf region; globally, it affects 12 million people in about 90 tropical and subtropical countries.

Lesions from the disease can take months to heal, leaving unsightly scars. Left unchecked, the condition can lead to liver infection.

The nanofiber bandage releases nitric oxide, which kills the parasite that causes the condition and reduces inflammation, allowing healing to occur. In clinical trials, nanofiber bandages reduced healing times from months or even years to as few as 12 days. The treatment is also much easier for patients, compared to the traditional method that involves a cocktail of harsh drugs delivered intravenously over several months.

With its demonstrated success treating leishmaniasis, the technology is now in clinical trials for diabetic ulcers and is being explored for a host of other medical applications, including dental and cardiovascular surgery.

UA representatives accepted the award at NorTech's innovation award luncheon Oct. 10.

NorTech is a technology-based economic development organization supported by the private sector and focused on continuous improvement of Northeast Ohio's technology environment and economy.

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