Thursday, April 02, 2009

Hydrogels vs. Maggots

Crosslinked polymers swollen in water (i.e., hydrogels) were recently challenged to a duel by larval Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly maggots) to see who could heal leg ulcers faster. Chemistry vs. Biology. I love it.

But in the end it was a tie. No difference in the end result, but there were some differences along the way (such as the pain that the lavae caused). It was also interesting that there was a low incidence of MRSA (methicillin resistant sthapholoccus aureous, a "super bug") infections.

Don't worry, there are no pictures of maggot infested wounds.

No comments: