THE USE OF ELECTRICAL MICROCURRENTS IN TISSUE HEALING THROUGH MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

In Brazil, more than fifteen million people are affected by diabetes, according to a survey by the Federal Council of Medicine. Diabetic wounds are one of the most critical consequences of this disease, with the main risks being tissue necrosis and limb amputation. In this sense, electrotherapy has gained a prominent role in tissue healing, mainly with the use of microcurrents, direct electrical currents of up to 1000 µA. Electrical stimulation through microcurrents triggers biochemical effects in biological tissues, which can restore tissue bioelectricity, stimulate protein and adenosine triphosphate synthesis, increase membrane transport of amino acids, as well as fibroblast synthesis, helping in tissue recovery injured. In this sense, this article sought to develop a treatment protocol, based on the use of electrical microcurrents, in the healing of chronic injuries, with emphasis on diabetic wounds. In order to safeguard the sustainability and financial accessibility of the electrotherapy treatment, the electricity used for the study was originated from a Microbial Fuel Cell. Microbial Fuel Cells (MCC) constitute an electrochemical system based on the degradation of organic compounds by a biological agent and the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. The CCM was adapted by the authors with accessible materials, reducing the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. Using it provided an intensity of 2 to 10 microamperes, ideal for research and falling within the classification of electrical microcurrents. Therefore, the United Nations Sustainable Development goals were achieved in consolidating health and well-being, in addition to generating renewable and clean energy, through the Microbial Fuel Cell.