Determination of the Commercialization Pathway for Advanced Chitosan-Based Hemostatic Biomaterials for Medical Applications

Innovative Hemostatic Biomaterial for Rapid Hemorrhage Control

One of the key challenges of modern medicine remains the creation of reliable and widely available hemorrhage-control agents that allow for an immediate response in situations where seconds determine survival. High mortality caused by rapid blood loss is one of the leading causes of death in clinical settings as well as on the battlefield or in traffic accidents.

The solution may prove to be an innovative chitosan biomaterial developed by Dr. Eng. Julia Radwan-Pragłowska from the Cracow University of Technology, which, thanks to its hemostatic properties, allows for quick and effective stoppage of bleeding. Unlike chitosan materials currently on the market, which are mostly produced from animal sources, the developed biomaterial is based on alternative raw materials, ensuring greater safety in application. Furthermore, the biomaterial also exhibits antibacterial properties and supports regenerative processes, reducing the risk of infection and accelerating the wound healing process. An additional advantage is the combination of simplicity of use with high efficacy-the material works immediately upon application and can be used both by doctors in clinical conditions and by individuals without medical training. The innovative dressing could find wide application in surgical and emergency medicine, as well as in dentistry or veterinary medicine.

The developed biomaterial is the result of many years of research, which included not only laboratory tests and in vitro experiments, but also preclinical studies on large animal models. The promising research results opened the door for Dr. Eng. Julia Radwan-Pragłowska to the first edition of PRIME-a project by the Foundation for Polish Science supporting the commercialization of science, funded by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. Together with her team-Joanna Szypułka (Technology Transfer Expert) and Andrzej Woźniacki (Business Leader)-she is developing commercialization competencies to ensure the availability of new life-saving materials in crisis situations.

"As a result, a solution is being created that responds to the global problem of massive hemorrhages, which are one of the leading causes of death in the world. Thanks to its simplicity, efficacy, and unique properties, this biomaterial has a real chance to change medical practice, enhance patient safety, and contribute to mitigating the effects of antibiotic resistance," says Dr. Julia Radwan-Pragłowska.

PRIME is the only "tailor-made" acceleration program for the transfer of knowledge and technology for scientists and their research organizations in Poland, offering support for an individual commercialization path for innovative products. The program provides the opportunity to both develop competencies (e.g., training) and acquire practical skills (e.g., talks with potential recipients). For the authors of the best ideas, individualized support is provided to implement the chosen commercialization path. The PRIME project is financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (#FENG) program. The project is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (#FNP).