´óÏó´«Ã½

Crab shells contain a substance called Chitosan, which is antibacterial and stimulates cell re growth.Ìý Crab shells don't absorb water either, which is perfect for wounds as they need to be kept clean and dry.Ìý

The team from The University of Bolton's Centre for Materials Research have managed to fuse extracts from crab shells and seaweed together, to create a completely new molecule.Ìý

Dr Mohsen Miraftab has been leading the research project for the past four years, and says it’s quite a breakthrough:

Dr Mohsen Miraftab and Graham Collyer

“We're not the first team to look at alginate and Chitosan, but we are the first to successfully create a combined fibre strong enough to be made into a wound dressing."

The resulting fibre is called Chitocel and it has natural healing and anti bacterial properties; is hypoallergenic and will be able to absorb moisture and help stop bleeding. It's also good for the environment, as it's completely biodegradable.

Pre clinical trials are being carried out at the moment and the team are now working with a medical company to develop the fibre into a 10 cm square wound dressing. That’s got to be more comfortable than smashing a few crabs!