Research Information System
Zengin R. (Executive), Tekin S., Tekin Ç.
TUBITAK Project, 2022 - 2024
Trauma is defined as the destruction of tissue integrity due to physical and chemical reasons, and the temporary or complete loss of the physiological properties of the tissue. The wound is the deterioration of the integrity of the skin due to trauma. Surgical and non-surgical methods are applied in the wound healing process. The goal of wound treatment is to restore tissue integrity as soon as possible, prevent infection and reduce pain. For this purpose, researchers investigated different wound healing methods (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and static magnetic field). In the electrical stimulation method, a gauze pad placed on the wound and/or electrodes placed on dry skin is applied to deliver a current that produces a slight tingling sensation. In the ultrasound method, it transmits a low-frequency ultrasound to the wound bed via saline mist (spray). It is claimed that acoustic waves stimulate cells in and below the wound bed to accelerate the normal healing process. In static magnetic field studies, static magnetic fields created with permanent magnets or Helmholtz coils were applied to the wound area and it was observed that it increased the healing rate. In this project, a hybrid method is proposed for wound healing with ultrasonic pressure in the presence of a static magnetic field.
The proposed method is based on \textbf{Lorentz electric field} generated by ultrasound and static magnetic field. An ultrasonic transducer placed close to the wound will generate vibrations in/around the wound, and With these vibrations, the particles in the scar tissue will gain velocity. The static magnetic field and the particle velocity will generate an electric field in the tissue. Since the scar tissue is conductive, it will generate a current density in the wound. Different static magnetic fields will be created with Helmholtz coils and permanent magnets to be used within the scope of the project, and the effect of the magnetic field on wound healing will be investigated. Experimental studies were carried out with a single magnetic field value in studies using a static magnetic field. Within the scope of this project, different static magnetic fields will be created with different Helmholtz coils/permanent magnets. The proposed project will be the first study to investigate the effects of different static magnetic fields on wound healing. In the literature, linear phased array ultrasonic transducers have not been used in wound healing studies. Since these transducers allow the pressure to be controlled electronically, pressures with different directions and amplitudes will be created without moving the transducer. Thus, a wider area will be scanned and pressure will be generated in the desired area and current will be generated in the wound area exposed to the static magnetic field. Linear phased array ultrasonic transducers will be used for the first time in wound healing with this project.
This project will be carried out by a coordinator, two researchers, two master's students, and one doctoral student.
Both numerical studies and animal experiments will be carried out on a wound healing method using a linear phased array ultrasonic transducer under different static magnetic fields to be designed within the scope of the proposed project. With the proposed hybrid method, it is expected that the wound healing process will be faster than other methods, and the wounds in a wider area will heal. As a result of this study, if the proposed method is successful; a) it can be recommended for diabetic patients to treat wounds without surgical methods, and b) it can be recommended (investigated) for pain relief.