Antimicrobial Platelet-Like Particles for Internal Bleeding Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current clinical treatments for traumatic hemorrhage, including mechanical hemostatic agents and topical hemostatic agents, are ineffective for massive internal bleeding and do not address the risk of subsequent infection, highlighting the need for compositions that can promote wound healing and suppress microbial infections.

Innovation Solution

Development of platelet-like particles incorporating ultra-low crosslinked polymers and antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles, which mimic platelet functions to promote clotting and wound healing while suppressing bacterial infections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current clinical treatments (mechanical hemostatic agents and topical hemostatic agents) are used, then hemostasis can be achieved for smaller wounds, but they are ineffective for massive internal bleeding and do not address the risk of subsequent infection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of hemostasis treatmentVSAvoidapplicability to different types of bleeding and infection prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The platelet-like particles are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide hemostatic activity by mimicking platelet aggregation and clot formation, and they provide antimicrobial protection through incorporated metallic nanoparticles. This multi-functional design allows a single therapeutic agent to address both hemorrhage control and infection prevention, regardless of wound location or severity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates synthetic particles that copy the size, shape, and surface properties of natural platelets. These platelet-like particles replicate the physiological function of endogenous platelets by binding to fibrinogen and promoting clot formation, while also incorporating antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles to provide additional protective functions that natural platelets lack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If topical hemostatic agents are applied, then bleeding can be controlled at the application site, but they cannot be used to treat internal bleeding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemethod of applicationVSAvoidapplicability to internal injuries
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The synthetic platelet-like particles are designed to replicate the physical and functional characteristics of natural platelets, including their size (2-10 μm), discoid shape, and surface properties. This copying allows the particles to be administered systemically via intravenous injection and still perform platelet-like functions at distant bleeding sites, including internal injuries, without requiring direct topical application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The platelet-like particles act as intermediary agents that can be introduced into the bloodstream and transported to internal bleeding sites. They serve as a bridge between systemic administration and localized hemostatic action, enabling treatment of internal injuries that are inaccessible to topical agents while maintaining the mechanical and biochemical functions of natural platelets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wound healing is promoted, then tissue repair is enhanced, but the risk of subsequent bacterial infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewound healing outcomeVSAvoidbacterial infection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges hemostatic therapy and antimicrobial therapy into a single integrated platform. The platelet-like particles combine fibrinogen-binding capabilities (for hemostasis) with antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles (for infection prevention). This merging allows simultaneous promotion of wound healing and protection against bacterial infection, eliminating the trade-off between these two critical functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The platelet-like particles are composite structures consisting of a polymer core (providing structural integrity and fibrinogen-binding capability) and incorporated antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles (providing antimicrobial activity). This composite design enables the particles to deliver both hemostatic and antimicrobial functions, addressing both wound healing and infection prevention needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The platelet-like particles effectively reduce bleeding and enhance wound healing by promoting clot formation and stability, while simultaneously inhibiting bacterial growth, particularly in internal injuries.

Implementation Method 1

The antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles can be covalently or noncovalently incorporated into the platelet-like particles... simultaneously inhibiting bacterial growth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntimicrobial activity:

Implementation Method 2

In the body coagulation occurs in response to injury in order to stop bleeding by forming platelet-rich fibrin clots. Immediately following injury platelets are activated, aggregate, and augment fibrin formation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoagulation: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentEP3746092B1Antimicrobial platelet-like particles
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
  • EP3746092B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3746092B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3746092B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed herein are platelet-like particles incorporating antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles. The platelet-like particles include an ultra-low crosslinked polymeric microgel and fibrin targeting moiety. The antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles can be covalently or noncovalently incorporated into the platelet-like particles. The particles are useful to stop bleeding and to promote wound healing while at the same time suppressing bacterial infections that can accompany tissue damage.