Scientists from the University of Florida (UCF) have developed a liquid hemostatic, anti-microbial sponge-like bandage that transforms into a spongy foam-like structure when it comes in contact with blood. It will help stop severe bleeding and infection in emergencies such as accidents or trauma injuries.
Severe bleeding from accidents, traffic collisions and injuries can become fatal if not treated promptly. The UCF researchers aimed to address this problem by introducing a hemostatic gel bandage known as, SilFoam, which is an effective solution to cease bleeding and prevent infection risk.
To check the safety of the product, the team used anatomical models with realistic blood vessels and injuries developed by SIMETRI, a local company, which helped them evaluate SiFoam’s performance without using live subjects.
The most important part of this study was the researchers used non-invasive models to conduct the research. They believe that if this device works out with these models then it will become easier for them to move to the next stage and get approvals to study the in-vivo models.
Scientists have compared SilFoam with other existing treatment methods. They discovered that SilFoam has many advantages including minimal leakage of blood, facility of storage at room temperature, cost efficiency and easy to use with syringes.
The researchers have also explained that SilFoam is made up of a polymer based system so it doesn’t stick to our skin. The dressing will expand onto the wound and shut the wound and can be easily removed once the job is done.
Melanie Coathup conducted research on the antibacterial component of the research, Director of the Biionix Cluster at UCF, said “The research is significant, because at the moment, there are no effective treatments available to treat people with these conditions, and new strategies are really needed,” Coathup says. “This means that teaming up with Dr. Mukhopadhyay to investigate a novel antibacterial sponge that could in the future provide life-saving treatment following major traumatic injury, was an absolute pleasure and right up my street.”
Mukhopadhyay along with his team is planning to perform in-vivo studies in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Centre. He also received a GAP Award for assisting in licensing SilFoam and for its deployment.
SilFoam is a breakthrough discovery for effectively managing heavy bleeding, wounds, injuries and prevent infections. After in-vivo studies and additional testing, it will become a valuable tool for emergency and trauma care.
This discovery was recently published in the journal Biomaterials Science.
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