The therapeutic benefits of maggots have been exploited since the Napoleonic Wars, when live maggots were placed on soldiers' wounds to clean up dead tissue and speed up healing
Maggots have been used sparingly over the years due to the obvious logistical difficulties in the use of live maggots and that it is a fairly unpleasant form of medical treatment, especially for the faint-hearted.
There has, however, been a resurgence in interest for using maggots to treat chronic wounds, such as pressure sores and diabetic ulcers, as these wounds cause misery for millions and are difficult to treat.
However, the public could once again benefit from the healing properties of maggots, as scientists commissioned by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), an agency of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), unravel the secrets of the molecules secreted by maggots and which hold the key to their healing powers.
The research carried out at the University of Nottingham means that in future, the healing properties of maggots could be delivered by a cream or medicated dressing placed directly on to the wound, rather than by attaching the maggots themselves.
The technology will now be developed by Sherwood Therapeutics based in BioCity, Nottingham, a new spin-out company from Dstl and the University of Nottingham.
The company will aim to meet a recognised need in both the civilian and defence markets for improved treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds and burns.
David Harris, Dstl's head of technology transfer, said: "Defence science and technology has proved time and again that it can save lives, not just in defence but in the civilian world too.
"Dstl has some of the finest minds in science and technology in the UK who provide solutions for the UK Armed Forces, and the resulting technology is truly ground breaking.
"This new spin-out will ensure that defence technology is being transferred outside the Ministry of Defence to benefit everyone."
