Injectable foam prototype could seal deep wounds and help prevent amputations

A caulking gun filled with silicone compound is set to enable doctors and nurses in the future to seal even deep wounds caused by blast injuries—thereby preventing amputations and reducing mortality among patients with severe wounds.

The startup AleSac is working on this solution, which breaks with traditional wound care. A silicone compound is injected directly into the wound, where it expands into a soft foam that, among other things, removes wound fluid (exudate), which may contain harmful bacteria.

A prototype has been developed

The technology behind the wound foam stems from research at DTU. Building on this research, AleSac has developed a physical prototype.

The foam has particular potential in the treatment of severe traumatic wounds, including blast injuries and other complex injuries, where rapid and effective wound treatment can be crucial for saving tissue and avoiding amputations.

Furthermore, the technology could prove significant in crisis areas where patients cannot immediately receive advanced hospital treatment and where managing infections is crucial to the healing process.

Foam that adapts to the wound

Deep and complex wounds can be difficult to treat with traditional wound care products. Many of these injuries consist of deep cavities with complex shapes, while the most advanced wound care products on the market today are typically flat adhesive bandages and dressings.

AleSac’s technology has been developed specifically to address this challenge. The silicone expands to form a soft foam that adapts to the geometry of the wound.

“We started with a simple question: Why do we treat deep wounds with flat products? Our technology is designed to fit the wound itself and create better conditions for managing complex wounds,” says Anne Ladegaard Skov, co-founder, professor and department head at DTU Chemical Engineering.

In laboratory tests, AleSac’s antibacterial foam has been shown to be effective against multiresistant bacteria in less than 120 minutes.

From research to international medtech

AleSac has been accepted into the U.S. medtech accelerator program BioLab CATALYST.

“This acceptance is a significant milestone for AleSac. It gives us access to both unique regulatory expertise and a strong international network of investors, both of which can support our ambition to bring a new and effective wound treatment to patients in the U.S. market,” says Skov.

Throughout the accelerator program, the startup will gain access to specialist advice on European and U.S. regulatory requirements, including the process leading up to future approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is an important step in the company’s ambition to eventually commercialize the solution in the U.S.

Who’s behind this story?

Sadie Harley

BSc Life Sciences & Ecology. Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries.

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Robert Egan

Bachelor’s in mathematical biology, Master’s in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language.

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