Fully Integrated Light Therapy-Based Wound Dressings for Wound Healing Applications

Between Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, the total number of U.S. Casualties (those Wounded in Action) has exceeded 52,000 as of January 30, 2015. These numbers point to the fact that active warfighters in the battlefield are almost constantly exposed to the threat of external penetrating wounds. The goal of combat wound care is to protect open wounds until the injury either spontaneously heals or is surgically closed. Of the various wound healing strategies that have been reported, lightwave therapies have shown preliminary efficacy in enhancing closure rates by stimulating the wound healing process. Recognizing the need for improved incorporation of lightwave-based therapies in combat casualty care, this proposal aims to leverage advantages provided by two mature technologies in materials science towards a field-portable, fully integrated light therapy-based wound dressing technology. The proposed dressings will be derived from biocompatible materials with minimal toxicity concerns, suggesting a rapid benchtop-to-bedside transition. The Phase I approach is supported by multiple studies with robust data, and aims to generate clinically relevant solutions to the DOD need. Confidence in success emanates from the assembled team, results obtained from supporting studies, and the significant commercialization potential for the proposed technology.