Researchers Filed Patent for Plant-Based Woundra Dressing
The Greensboro-based team aims to address rural medical access with cellulose-derived antimicrobial dressings.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Botany
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North Carolina A&T State University researchers have filed a provisional patent for Woundra, a plant-based wound dressing. The project recently secured a $25,000 grant from NCInnovation to support development.
Why it matters
The development aims to provide accessible, low-cost wound care for residents in rural areas or on farms with limited proximity to clinical medical support. The project focuses on scaling production to meet these specific community needs.
The dressing utilizes cellulose-based hydrogels integrated with Manuka honey and chitosan. Polyvinyl alcohol is used to enhance the structural strength and flexibility of the hydrogels versus traditional untreated dressings.
The players
North Carolina A&T State University
A public research university in Greensboro with a focus on agricultural and engineering innovation.
NCInnovation
A non-profit organization that provides funding and support to accelerate the commercialization of North Carolina university research.
Anthro Ventures
A firm specializing in clinical and regulatory navigation for early-stage healthcare technologies.
EcoTrust
A partner organization assisting with the design and scaling of low-cost manufacturing processes.
The details
Woundra functions by creating a controlled wound environment that regulates moisture while delivering antimicrobial agents. The hydrogels, engineered at North Carolina A&T State University, are designed to release these treatments steadily. Researchers are collaborating with EcoTrust to optimize low-cost manufacturing for three delivery formats: ointment, foam, and patch.
Timeline
The team expects to release an over-the-counter hydrogel product within 9 to 15 months.
The FDA approval process for the Class II medical device is projected to take 20 months.
The Tech Race
The team’s efforts to achieve Class II medical device clearance mark a formal entry into the competitive wound-care market. This development follows established pathways for medical-grade antimicrobial dressings that require specific regulatory validation.
The researchers plan to provide the product in ointment, foam, and patch forms to address varied wound severities. An over-the-counter version is slated for release in the next 9 to 15 months, targeting users who require accessible medical supplies.
The takeaway
Woundra represents a shift toward utilizing bio-based ingredients like chitosan and Manuka honey for medical-grade wound management. Watch for the 20-month regulatory progress report to see if the product gains FDA approval for wider distribution.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Botany research and agricultural technology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thecharlottepost.
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