The scientists at Maynooth University, Co Kildare received co-funding of almost €113,000 from Debra, the national charity supporting those living with EB, and the Irish Research Council (IRC).
EB, endured by 300 people in Ireland, is caused by the absence of proteins between the skin layers, meaning the skin becomes ultra fragile and blisters at the mildest touch.
In severe cases, such as Recessive Dystrophic EB, bandage changing to protect wounds and prevent blister infection is required every day and can last three to four hours at a time.
The aim of the two-year study will be to enable scientists to develop a prototype, with the hope of allowing non-abrasive bandages to be sprayed onto the skin. By placing them under cold water, it is hoped that they will then melt away and be removed painlessly.
“Bandage changes are a particularly excruciating element of this condition and research of this nature has the potential to make a real difference for people living with EB,” said Jimmy Fearon, chief executive of Debra.
“We hope its outcome might contribute to improved quality of life for those living with EB in Ireland, and beyond.”
“The aim, ultimately, is not to cause further damage to the skin,” said Dr Robert Elmes, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry at Maynooth University and a Funded Investigator at SSPC, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals.
“We use supramolecular chemistry as the basis to the research, studying how molecules interact with each other and how we can predict how they will separate from each other as they cool.
“This is an excellent example of a fundamental area of chemical science having a potentially life-changing impact on the everyday lives of people with EB.”
Pricing for the bandages is not expected to be out of reach of those living with EB as the materials used are widely available and completely harmless to the skin.
The work will be carried out by Dr Hilal Kirpik, of Maynooth University’s Department of Chemistry, who is passionate about the real world impact of chemical research. “By the end of the project, we hope to have a prototype that people can take home and administer themselves without the need for painful bandage removal,” said Dr Elmes, research project supervisor.
Actor Colin Farrell recently took part in the Dublin City Marathon to highlight the condition and raise funds.
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