The Dermastream, brainchild of Amihay Freeman, professor at TAU's Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, may help improve the lives of millions of people suffering from these kinds of ailments and save millions of dollars in time-consuming medical care involved in fighting such wounds in hospitals. While persistent wound care of this nature is often invasive and painful for the recipient, involving physically scraping necrotic tissue away from the wound, the Dermastream harnesses the power of enzymes to wash away the dead tissue as well as keep the area clean and sanitary.

The Dermastream attaches to an area of skin by suction and continuously passes a special solution containing the active enzymes over the sore or wound. The negative pressure from the suction also helps to accelerate the healing process.

TAU claims the device helps heal chronic sores in weeks as opposed to traditional ointment and bandage methods which can take several months.

The device has already passed clinical trials in Israel and Freeman is currently working with a Tucson, AZ Veteran's Association hospital via his start-up company to bring the product to the United States. Considering the difference in comfort and rate of healing shown by the Dermastream versus the regular treatment methods, it would be hard to argue that it wouldn't benefit many sufferers of chronic sores, elderly and infirm who suffer from bed or diabetic sores, and possibly anyone with an open wound in need of treatment.

It is certainly a reminder that though medical technology has advanced incredibly in the past ten years, it can still be beaten by simple biological processes when applied in intelligent ways.