Breakthrough in Wound Healing: New Biomaterial to Benefit the Diabetic

Manama: A groundbreaking research collaboration between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Royal Medical Services has led to the development of a revolutionary biomaterial and medical device that accelerates wound healing in diabetic patients. This innovative technology has shown promising pre-clinical results, enhancing tissue repair by improving blood vessel formation and reducing scarring.

This research partnership was carried out under the leadership of Brigadier (Dr) Fahad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Medical Services; Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain; and Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Head of the Tissue Engineering Research Group at RCSI in Dublin. The project brought together clinical and scientific expertise from Bahrain and Ireland, led by Professor Michael Keogh, Associate Professor in Human Biology and Head of the Tissue Engineering Research Group at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, and Dr. Mohammed Al Muharraqi, Director of the RCSI–RMS Research Collaboration and Director of the Crown Prince Centre for Training & Medical Research. They were supported by Dr. Martin Maresch, Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at the Royal Medical Services, and a team of eleven research and medical specialists.

The team successfully developed and demonstrated a biomaterial that enhances tissue repair by improving blood vessel formation and reducing scarring, resulting in better healing compared with traditional clinical dressings. Pre-clinical results showed that the biomaterial integrates effectively with surrounding tissue and promotes more complete healing in elderly and diabetic patients.

This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve healing outcomes for diabetic wounds, venous leg ulcers and chronic wounds, reducing the risk of infection, amputation and improving quality of life for patients. The research is part of the DocLeaf project, which has received €1 million (BD 4,37,100) in funding from Enterprise Ireland to develop a medical device for treating chronic wounds. The device aims to address localised tissue hypoxia and stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms, achieving faster and more sustainable healing.

The team anticipates establishing a new startup in 2026, paving the way for commercialisation and clinical application.