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Anita Shukla Chemical Engineering Grad Student |
Layer-by-Layer Films for Wound Healing in Soldiers
Layer-by-Layer (LBL) assembly can be used to create thin films with unique properties. One can select appropriate agents for release from these films and incorporate them into the layers. This is a valuable aspect that can be utilized to create novel devices to assist in wound healing. An area of immediate interest for this technology is in trauma injuries endured by soldiers, classified by massive hemorrhaging.
Currently, I am investigating the use of these films in providing immediate support during trauma situations, by inducing the coagulation cascade to occur rapidly, with a more pronounced effect. I will also be looking at more long term wound healing for these injuries. This involves investigating the incorporation and release of different coagulation-inducing factors (ex. chitosan), antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, etc. from LBL films.
