Professor Russell Morris, from the University of St Andrews, has used an exciting development in chemical technology – metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) – to apply small, beneficial amounts of the gas, nitric oxide, to wounds safely in order speed up healing.
Nitric oxide is a simple gas molecule which in large amounts is significantly toxic; however in small amounts it has essential roles in the body, such as controlling blood pressure in the cardiovascular system and also in wound healing.
He will receive his prize at a special event at the Royal Society today (5 December 2012).
The Brian Mercer Feasibility Award is supported by the ERA Foundation.
