Sponge-implant to stop internal bleeding

2023: Product Announcement

On June 28, 2023, American researchers from the Terasaki Biomedical Innovation Institute (TIBI) announced the development of an implantable sponge designed to stop internal bleeding.

Researchers note that there are many products available on the market to stop bleeding, such as cotton or gauze dressings, powders and tourniquets. They are commonly used on shallow wounds and cannot simultaneously detect and control bleeding. For irregularly shaped wounds or internal wounds, shape memory sponges may be used. When applied, they absorb blood to promote coagulation. The new development can additionally warn doctors about the occurrence of bleeding.

The principle of operation of the sponge to stop internal bleeding

When creating a smart sponge, experts used fibroin - a fibrillary protein produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori. This compound is a biodegradable material with optimal anti-inflammatory and mechanical properties. Porous and well-absorbing shape memory sponges can be made from it. The product promotes coagulation and tissue regeneration, and the rate of biodegradation and mechanical properties can be adjusted according to various clinical scenarios.

The sponge created contains silver nanowires that form capacitive sensors: they form an electrical signal when the material is filled with blood. As a result, doctors receive prompt notification of the problem. In addition, silver provides an additional antimicrobial effect, helping to prevent the development of infection.

{{quote 'This multifunctional product offers many important functions to stop bleeding and monitor wounds and adapts easily to different types of damage and tissue, "said Ali Khademhossein, PhD and CEO of TIBI^[1] }}

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