Could smart Biomask regenerate burned faces?

Researchers at UT Arlington in collaboration with the US Army and Northwestern University are trying to build a biomask that can be used to improve the treatment of burn victims. This biomask consists of a gel that lies against the skin, covered by a flexible layer which includes sensors and actuators. These sensors and actuators help to keep the layers of polymer pushed up against the skin to promote healing. On top of the flexible layer is a hard outer shell, which holds the underlying layers in place. Figure 1 below demonstrates the design.

Figure 1. The layers and components of the biomask

The mask is very complex inside. It contains microvalves and microfluidic channels, which create a very low subatmospheric pressure on the face, while administering growth factors and stem cells to the skin to promote new growth. While the process is occurring, sensors in the mask will be able to report the progress of the treatment to physicians.

If used, this mask should be able to vastly improve the current skin grafts, which can lead to speech problems, deformities, and scarring. Skin grafts also may require multiple surgeries. In contrast, the biomask would just lay on the face of a patient for a few months while their skin regrows. It should also help to avoid the side effects of skin grafts listed above.

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