From a student project at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to deployment in field hospitals, FIBROPLUG represents a significant advancement in hemostatic technology, with the potential to save countless lives. This innovative product is a bilayered hemostatic sponge dressing designed to rapidly stop bleeding resulting from surgical procedures, accidents, and field injuries.
FIBROPLUG's journey began as a research project at IISc, where scientists sought to improve existing hemostatic agents. Existing options sometimes presented limitations, such as being sticky and potentially causing rebleeding upon removal. To address these issues, the team developed a unique two-layered structure. The base layer consists of chitosan, a biocompatible polymer derived from shellfish, known for its ability to attract blood cells and initiate clotting. The top layer is made of silk fibroin infused with silica particles, inspired by the clotting properties of glass. This silk layer forms a smooth barrier against the skin, preventing adhesion and allowing for easy removal without disturbing the healing wound. Laboratory tests on rats demonstrated the dressing's effectiveness, stopping bleeding in just over 30 seconds while leaving no residue or causing rebleeding.
Fibroheal Woundcare Pvt Ltd commercialized FIBROPLUG through joint research collaboration with IISc, highlighting the commitment of Fibroheal towards translational research by actively engaging with various leading science institutes across the world and bridging the gap of industry-academia connect.
In December 2023, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) launched FIBROPLUG, recognizing its potential impact. Recent reports indicate that FIBROPLUG is already making a difference on the front lines. In the past week, Fibroheal supplied 5,000 units to 16 field hospitals across western and northern sectors. The company's engagement with the armed forces began earlier with a special forces unit, leading to subsequent orders as the product's effectiveness became apparent.
FIBROPLUG's potential extends beyond military applications. Its ease of use makes it suitable for various civilian emergency scenarios, including car accidents, kitchen mishaps, and playground injuries. The dressing's accessibility makes it suitable for inclusion in ambulances, hospitals, schools, and homes, potentially democratizing access to advanced wound care across India.
Traditional hemostatic agents include caustic, physical, and biologic subtypes. Caustic agents work by coagulating proteins, while physical agents use a substrate to form a matrix at the bleeding site. Biologic agents, such as topical thrombin and fibrin sealants, promote hemostasis by bypassing initial steps of the coagulation cascade. Fibrin glue, a biodegradable tissue adhesive, is also a valuable topical hemostatic agent and an effective tissue sealant. FIBROPLUG's innovative combination of chitosan and silk fibroin offers a unique approach to hemostasis, addressing some limitations of traditional methods.
The global chitosan market is experiencing significant growth, with a valuation of USD 15.02 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 91.99 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by increased applications in various industries, including food and beverage, water treatment, cosmetics, biomedical, and pharmaceuticals. Chitosan's properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial activity, make it a valuable material for diverse applications.
FIBROPLUG exemplifies how a collaborative project can translate academic research into a life-saving product. As Fibroheal expands production, FIBROPLUG has the potential to transform wound care and save lives in both military and civilian settings.
