Joining forces with researchers from the University of British Columbia, the team say that by utilizing bioactive substances from both sheep and camel milk they stand to greatly improve the effectiveness of skin and diabetic treatments.

The leader of the project, Dr. Piotr Szatkowski, said: “We believe that sheep and camel milk will be the key components of the dressing, possessing healing potential that promotes skin cell regeneration.”

Chronic wounds have traditionally presented a dual problem - not only do they cause the patient pain, but they can also lead to further complications that result in infection, amputation or even death.

While bandages and gauzes can effectively stop bleeding, they have limitations. Not only are they prone to infection and unsuitable for irregularly shaped wounds, they can also cause secondary tissue damage. Moreover, they have proved ineffective in stimulating the healing process.

In contrast, hydrogels have shown they are capable of the exact opposite.

Now, they stand to be improved even further through the addition of sheep and camel milk. Known to be rich in bioactive substances, and high in insulin - an important compound in the healing process - by including these ingredients scientists hope to increase the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and tissue-regenerating properties of hydrogels.

Beyond just insulin, both sheep and camel milk are also rich in lactoferrin, orotic acid and conjugated linolenic acid, all of which also play a pivotal role in healing.

Perhaps surprisingly, the camel milk will be sourced from a camel farm in Poland and will then be stored at temperatures of -80°C so that it retains its properties during thermal processing.

Once trials are complete the gel will be patented, Szatkowski added.