Graphene Hemostatic Patch for Irregular Wound Clotting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemostatic agents and devices are ineffective in achieving prompt clot formation, particularly for irregularly shaped wounds, are expensive, may transmit blood-borne diseases, and are not suitable for harsh environments or effective in reducing trauma-related bleeding.
Innovation Solution
A hemostatic device featuring a layer of graphene or laser-reduced graphene oxide, combined with a support and closure layer, designed to promote platelet binding and coagulation, potentially incorporating additional agents for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and equipped with a sensor to monitor clot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hemostatic agents are used, then clot formation is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and marginally effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material consisting of graphene oxide combined with thrombin and fibrinogen. This composite structure allows the hemostatic agent to simultaneously provide rapid platelet activation (through thrombin) and structural clot formation (through fibrinogen), while graphene oxide enhances the overall effectiveness and speed of clot formation. The composite nature resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple hemostatic mechanisms into a single material system that achieves both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes laser irradiation to change the physical and chemical parameters of graphene oxide, transforming it into a more effective hemostatic material. The laser treatment modifies the surface properties and reactivity of graphene oxide, enabling it to work more efficiently with thrombin and fibrinogen. This parameter change allows the material to achieve rapid and reliable clot formation, resolving the time-consuming and marginally effective nature of conventional agents.
2Reliability
If human-derived hemostatic products are used, then clotting is promoted, but there is risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable graphene oxide-based hemostatic patch that is single-use and disposed of after application. This eliminates the risk of blood-borne disease transmission between patients, as each patch is sterile and never reused. The disposable nature maintains reliable hemostatic function while completely avoiding the contamination risks associated with reusable human-derived products.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphene oxide acts as an intermediary material that mediates the hemostatic process without requiring direct contact with patient blood in a way that creates transmission risk. The synthetic graphene oxide base material serves as a safe platform that can carry hemostatic agents (thrombin and fibrinogen) while preventing cross-contamination, thus maintaining reliability without the harmful transmission risk.
3Reliability
If complex preparation procedures are used, then hemostatic agents are activated, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hemostatic agents (thrombin and fibrinogen) are pre-loaded and pre-positioned within the graphene oxide matrix during manufacturing. This preliminary action means that when the patch is applied to a wound, the agents are already in place and ready for immediate activation by contact with blood, eliminating the need for complex on-site preparation procedures. The reliability of agent activation is maintained through pre-positioning, while preparation time is reduced to simply application.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphene oxide-thrombin-fibrinogen composite is designed to self-activate upon contact with blood, without requiring external activation procedures. The material automatically initiates the clotting cascade through its inherent properties and the embedded agents, making the activation process automatic and eliminating time-consuming manual preparation steps while ensuring reliable activation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hemostatic devices are used, then bleeding is addressed, but they cannot treat irregularly shaped wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible graphene oxide-based patch that can conform to irregularly shaped wounds. The flexible nature of the material allows it to adapt to various wound geometries while maintaining continuous contact with the bleeding surface. This ensures reliable hemostatic treatment effectiveness across different wound shapes, as the flexible film can be molded to fit any irregular contour.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphene oxide patch is designed with curved and flexible characteristics that allow it to conform to non-planar, irregular wound surfaces. The material can be shaped and molded to match the specific geometry of the wound, ensuring complete coverage and effective treatment regardless of the wound's shape. This curvature adaptability maintains treatment reliability while achieving versatility across different wound morphologies.
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 device effectively induces platelet formation and coagulation, reducing bleeding, while being safe, cost-effective, and suitable for various environments, with the sensor providing real-time feedback on clot status.
Implementation Method 1
The methods and delivery devices include a hemostatic agent that induces platelet binding, including platelet binding and the coagulation of blood
Implementation Method 2
a hemostatic agent that induces platelet binding, including platelet binding and the coagulation of blood
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods relate to inducing or promoting hemostasis. The hemostasis device may include a support layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The device may include a layer, the layer disposed on the first surface. The layer may include a target surface configured to contact a target site. The layer may include a monolayer of about 100% graphene or may include laser-reduced graphene oxide. The device may include a sensor configured to measure a level of hemostasis of the target site. The methods relate to a method of manufacturing a hemostatic device including a monolayer of graphene or a layer of laser-reduced graphene oxide.