[Image from Wyss Institute at Harvard University]
5. This hydrogel stops bleeding
Researchers from Harvard University have developed a hydrogel that when applied in bulk to large wounds is able to seal the opening and stop bleeding.
In collaboration with researchers at Harvard-MIT’s Division of Health Sciences and Technology and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the researchers created a shear-thinning biomaterial (STB) out of gelatin molecules and small discs of silicate nanoplatelets to create a malleable hydrogel. The silicate nanoplatelets are meant to mimic the function of real platelet cells to promote blood clotting.
The researchers wanted to deliver the STB through catheters directly to difficult-to-reach locations of the body’s vasculature to block blood flow in vessels, according to a press release.
In order to have targeted delivery, the researchers optimized the formulation of the STB to deliver it effectively by clinical catheters and needles. They also they made sure that the STB gelled, without the chance of it cementing to the catheter, to make a complete blockage.
So far, the hydrogel technology has been tested in in-vivo studies with mice and pigs because they have more human-like vascular architectures.
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Replacing cartilage with hydrogels
