Researchers at Flinders University have achieved a significant milestone in the field of wound care by utilizing plasma technology to transform Spirulina microalgae into ultrathin bioactive coatings. This innovative approach leverages argon atmospheric plasma jet technology to convert Spirulina maxima, the blue-green microalgae, into bioactive coatings that not only combat bacterial infections but also expedite wound healing while imparting potent anti-inflammatory properties.

“This holds promise, especially for the treatment of chronic wounds, which often pose challenges due to prolonged healing times,” says Dr Vi Khanh Truong, from the Flinders University Biomedical Engineering Laboratory. “This novel approach could reduce the risk of toxic reactions to silver and other nanoparticles and rising antibiotic-resistance to common commercial coatings used in wound dressings.”

The latest breakthrough, published in the high-impact nanotechnology journal Small, introduces a newly patented plasma-assisted technology that efficiently processes Spirulina maxima biomass into ultrathin bioactive coatings. These coatings can be applied to wound dressings and various medical devices, propelling healing, regulating inflammation, and protecting patients against infections.

Dr. Truong also points out the versatility of the technology, explaining, "We are using the plasma coating technology to turn any type of biomass – in this case, Spirulina maxima – into a more sustainable high-end coating."

Spirulina maxima extract is frequently used as a protein supplement and for the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. The researchers believe that this groundbreaking plasma technology could be a “game-changer” in the global landscape of wound healing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued stern warnings about the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which is poised to cost the world's economies over a trillion dollars by 2050. Co-author of the study, Matthew Flinders Professor Krasimir Vasilev, an NHMRC Leadership Fellow, expresses optimism about the technology's potential to provide a more effective alternative to current commercial applications, including gold and copper coatings, in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Professor Vasilev further elaborates on the technology's impact, stating, "This new plasma-facilitated downstream processing can improve extraction and purification of useful compounds from biomass without the need for harmful solvents and a lot of energy input." He is the Director of the Flinders Biomedical Nanoengineering Lab and is now exploring avenues for the commercialization of this unique technology.

Notably, the technology is poised to address a critical gap in the market. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for non-toxic, biocompatible, and biostable antimicrobial coatings has surged. This market is projected to grow in value from nearly $4 billion to $6.8 billion within five years, underscoring the timeliness and significance of this research. “Currently there are no commercial wound dressings that simultaneously fight and protect from infection, favourably modulate inflammation and stimulate healing,” Vasilev stated. “We believe that the technology will offer a market advantage to medical wound dressing manufacturers and, by reaching the hospitals, make a difference to healthcare and patients.”