This technology is a device that uses electrical activity to facilitate the wound healing process while protecting the wound. The bandage is made of an electroactive material (see figure) that is stimulated by the heat of the body and the pressure of cell growth, thus no external power source is required.

Bandages are made of an electroactive material that is stimulated by body heat and the pressure of cell growth, so no external power source is needed.

An electroactive device is applied to an external wound site. This method utilizes generated low-level electrical stimulation to promote the wound healing process while simultaneously protecting it from infection. The material is fabricated from polyvinylidene fluoride, or PVDF, a thermoplastic fluoropolymer that is highly piezoelectric when poled. The fabrication method of the electroactive material is based on a previous Langley invention of an apparatus that is used to electrospin highly aligned polymer fiber material. A description of the fabrication method can be found in the technology opportunity announcement titled “NASA Langley’s Highly Electrospun Fibers and Mats” located at LAR-TOPS-2 .

The electroactive device is a slim, self-contained alternative to electrical stimulation devices for accelerated wound healing. It minimizes infection and related complications (e.g., illness, amputation). Potential applications include military personnel wounded in the field, hospital patients who have undergone surgery, general patients who have suffered a serious wound, and astronauts in space.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact The Technology Gateway at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link for more information: LAR-TOPS-194 

Refer to LAR-17723-1