One of the most significant advances in medical technology comes from the laboratories of the University of Central Florida (UCF), where researchers developed an innovative system for stopping severe bleeding called SilFoam. This revolutionary medical device is designed to quickly stop bleeding, reduce the risk of infection, and increase the chances of survival for patients in emergency medical situations. The SilFoam technology is intended to assist in critical situations such as traffic accidents, severe workplace injuries, or armed conflicts, where immediate interventions are vital for survival.

SilFoam uses an advanced formula based on siloxanes, allowing for an instant reaction within the wound. Upon application, this compound spreads rapidly and creates a sponge-like structure that applies pressure to the bleeding site, effectively stopping blood flow in less than a minute. In addition to stopping bleeding, SilFoam also provides antibacterial protection thanks to the presence of silver oxide in the formula, significantly reducing the possibility of infections that could further complicate the patient's recovery.

Chemical background and mechanisms of action

The mechanism of action of SilFoam is based on the combination of oxygen and silicon, which together create siloxanes. These compounds are key in forming the foam that expands within the wound, creating a volumetric effect. Kausik Mukhopadhyay, the head of this research project, emphasizes that special attention was paid to the speed of reaction and foam expansion during the development of this technology, aiming for the process to occur within one minute. “Each dose of five milliliters of liquid expands to about 35 milliliters of foam,” says Mukhopadhyay. This significant expansion creates sufficient pressure on the wound site, effectively stopping the bleeding.

One of the key elements of SilFoam is its ability to be easily removed without additional damage to the tissue. Traditional bandages often cause problems during removal as they can cause small blood vessels to rupture or further damage the tissue. However, SilFoam is designed with optimized adhesive properties that allow it to adhere firmly to the tissue without causing new injuries during removal. This is especially important in situations where the patient's stability is critical, and where additional complications could jeopardize the treatment outcome.

Testing and trials

Before this innovative product reached the stage where its broader application is considered, SilFoam underwent rigorous laboratory testing. Researchers used realistic anatomical models developed in collaboration with local companies. These models include mannequins with realistically reconstructed blood vessels and wounds, allowing researchers to test the effectiveness of the foam without the need for invasive tests on animals or humans in the early stages. “One of the most important phases of testing was the use of non-invasive models,” explains Mukhopadhyay. This approach accelerated obtaining the necessary approvals for continued research and testing on living models.

Comparing SilFoam to five other existing methods for stopping bleeding showed that SilFoam outperforms all competitors in several key aspects. SilFoam offers a significant reduction in blood leakage from the wound, the ability to be stored at room temperature (while some other hemostatic products require cold conditions), and a significantly lower production cost of the materials. Additionally, using a dual-chamber syringe for applying the foam is straightforward, and the use of SilFoam does not require extensive training, making it an ideal solution for emergency medical interventions in the field, such as emergency services or military medical support.

Antibacterial properties and infection prevention

In addition to stopping bleeding, SilFoam also offers strong protection against bacterial infections. A team of scientists from UCF, led by Professor Melanie Coathup, conducted extensive research to investigate the effect of silver oxide within the sponge system of the foam. Their results showed that SilFoam effectively prevents the growth of bacteria that are often present in traumatic injuries, significantly reducing the risk of infections in wounds exposed to environmental factors.

Professor Coathup, along with her team, emphasizes that at this point, there are very few effective solutions on the market that simultaneously provide hemostatic and antibacterial protection. “Our research shows that SilFoam offers a unique combination of two key functions – stopping bleeding and preventing infections, making it an extremely valuable solution in emergency medical situations,” says Coathup.

Further development and commercialization

After successfully completing laboratory testing and obtaining preliminary results confirming the effectiveness of SilFoam, the team at the University of Central Florida is now working on further developing this product. The next step involves collaboration with the medical center at the University of Nebraska, where clinical trials will be conducted on living models. The goal is to obtain additional evidence of the effectiveness of this product in real medical situations, which would enable broader commercialization.

Mukhopadhyay recently received support through the GAP award, which will assist in licensing and distributing this innovative medical product. If SilFoam passes all necessary clinical trials, it could become a key tool in emergency services worldwide, with the potential to save countless lives in the most critical moments.

Technologies like SilFoam open new horizons in emergency medicine, and its simplicity and effectiveness provide additional hope for faster and safer treatment of patients with severe injuries. Given the proven benefits and advanced technologies used in its production, SilFoam represents the future of emergency medical intervention.

Source: University of Central Florida