Description:
- Battlefield wounds
- Emergency medical situations and surgeries
Abstract
USC scientists and engineers have developed a reversible temperature-sensitive hydrogel that can seal eye injuries on the spot. The modified gel is liquid at room temperature and transitions to a solid with strong adhesive properties when heated. This seal can be removed simply by applying cool water. To maintain the gel temperature and administer it easily to patients, the researchers have developed a special application device. This hydrogel and device will be the future for rapidly closing war-related and other emergency ocular perforations. Additionally, there is potential for other applications beyond ocular tissue wounds, such as skin or muscle trauma.
Benefit
- First line of defense for quickly and effectively sealing vision-threatening injuries
- Smart hydrogel creates a strong adhesive seal that is reversible
- Suture-less solution to reduce patient irritation and infection
- Light-weight, compact, and easy-to-use injectable applicator
Market Application
The human eye is a sensitive organ that enables us to view and interact with the world around us. Any eye trauma not treated quickly may lead to permanent vision loss. Currently, there are no existing tools to safely and rapidly close eye perforations.
Publications
A reversible thermoresponsive sealant for temporary closure of ocular trauma, Science Translational Medicine, December 6, 2017
Other
- Tested on rabbit and porcine models
- Available for non-exclusive research license