Mask Stuffed With Micro-Components Could Work Miracles for Severe Facial Burn Patients
By Belezina, Jan; Gizmag,Publication Date: February 1, 2012
Article describes the design of a mask that uses mechanical, electrical, and biological components to speed up the healing process following severe facial burns. In development at the University of Texas at Arlington in collaboration with military medical institutions, the flexible polymer face mold is fitted with sensors for the monitoring of the healing process. If necessary, embedded components will selectively administer the appropriate pharmaceuticals to the right section of the wound. Components of the mask are a rigid external layer mounted on top of a flexible thin polymer patch, an implementation of what is called the Biological Conformal Apparatus for Skin Treatment (BioCAST) platform. The BioCAST patch conforms to the shape of the face with the aid of tiny actuators capable of selectively adjusting the contact pressure. This would result in a better fit and higher comfort for the wearer, who would be expected to wear the mask for as long as several months. Scientists developing the mask anticipate its greatest advantage to be its regenerative effect. This would mean, for example, that soldiers affected by severe facial burns would heal without the disfigurement, speech impediments, and other drawbacks related to skin grafting.
Published by: Gizmag Pty Ltd (Website:http://www.gizmag.com/)
Link to text: http://www.gizmag.com/biomask-facial-burn-treatment/21301/
