Australian Researchers Pioneer Advanced Burn Care Solutions
Severe burns pose a significant global health challenge, but new research from Australia offers hope for improved treatment and recovery.
A complete review published in Advanced Therapeutics by researchers from teh University of south Australia (UniSA), University of Adelaide, and Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) explores cutting-edge advancements in dermal substitutes – materials used too replace damaged skin. The focus is on tackling infection and boosting tissue regeneration following severe burns.
Despite decades of progress,traditional treatments like skin grafting ofen fall short in providing complete healing and infection control,leading to extended hospital stays and significant healthcare costs. Dr. Zlatko Kopecki (UniSA’s Future Industries institute) emphasizes the urgent need for innovation: “Infections are a major cause of complications and mortality in burn patients. We must develop therapies that regenerate tissue while actively preventing infections.”
Each year, approximately 2423 Australians require hospital admission for burn injuries, with 74% needing surgery. Globally, burns cause 180,000 deaths annually and result in 10 million hospitalizations, costing healthcare systems $112 billion.
The review highlights a critical gap in current commercial skin substitutes: a lack of integrated antimicrobial protection. However, promising new technologies are emerging. Kerecis, a fish skin graft derived from sustainable icelandic cod, boasts inherent antimicrobial properties thanks to its natural omega-3 fatty acids. NovoSorb BTM, a synthetic biodegradable matrix, provides structural resilience in infected wounds and resists bacterial colonization without antibiotics.
“These materials demonstrate a shift towards multifunctional therapies that combine structural support with infection resistance,” explains Dr. Bronwyn Dearman (RAH’s Skin Engineering Laboratory and University of Adelaide).”Such innovations are crucial, notably as antibiotic-resistant infections continue to rise.”
The research advocates for future advancement of 3D dermal scaffolds incorporating active antimicrobial agents to support cell growth, minimizing reliance on antibiotics and temporary dressings. Ultimately, the future of burn care lies in scarless healing, achieved through combining smart biomaterials with cell-based therapies to fully regenerate skin function and revolutionize recovery for burn survivors worldwide.
The research team comprises experts from the Future industries Institute at UniSA, the Adult Burn Service at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide.
