Design and Development of Fiber Patch to Prevent Reperfusion Injury and Provide Thermal Stimulation for Treating Severe Frostbite

Frostbite is a prevalent form of acute cold injury that can cause extensive tissue damage, often requiring amputation. However, most clinical interventions face the challenge of preventing or mitigating reperfusion injury while restoring the blood supply. In this study, a fiber patch is developed with reperfusion injury prevention and thermal stimulation capabilities for frostbite treatment. Encapsulating itaconic acid (ITA) within the surface knots of the fabricated necklace-like polymer fibers optimizes its release kinetics, effectively inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through metabolic pathways. Localized thermal stimulation from the fiber matrix modulates cytokine secretion and promotes microcirculation remodeling in frostbitten tissues. In a study involving a third-degree frostbite model, the fiber patch demonstrates superior therapeutic efficacy in accelerating tissue repair, outperforming conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Hence, this study provides a portable, effective, and preventive solution for frostbite management.