Bengaluru Innovation Transforms Battlefield Medicine with Silk-Based Hemostat
Bengaluru, India – May 12, 2025. In a remarkable fusion of traditional materials and modern science, Prof. Kaushik Chatterjee team from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Bengaluru-based startup Fibroheal Woundcare Pvt. Ltd. have developed a groundbreaking hemostatic dressing, FIBROPLUG, that is now actively saving lives on the battlefield.(The Times of India)
FIBROPLUG is a bilayered dressing designed to rapidly control bleeding in emergency situations. The base layer comprises chitosan, a biopolymer derived from shellfish, known for its ability to attract blood cells and initiate clotting. The top layer is crafted from silk fibroin infused with silica particles, inspired by the clotting properties of glass. This unique combination not only accelerates clot formation but also addresses the limitations of existing hemostatic products. Traditional chitosan-based dressings often adhere strongly to wounds, risking rebleeding upon removal. In contrast, FIBROPLUG’s silk layer prevents adhesion, allowing for easy removal without disturbing the healing process. (The Times of India)
Laboratory tests have demonstrated FIBROPLUG’s efficacy, with bleeding cessation achieved in just over 30 seconds in animal models and under two minutes in human applications. The product is available in various formats and sizes, catering to different types of injuries. (BioPatrika)
Recently, Fibroheal supplied 5,000 units of FIBROPLUG to 16 field hospitals across India’s western and northern sectors, providing critical support to military medical personnel operating in challenging conditions. (The Times of India)
This innovation exemplifies the potential of academia-industry collaborations in translating laboratory research into real-world solutions. By leveraging the natural properties of silk and chitosan, the IISc-Fibroheal team has created a product that not only enhances emergency medical care but also underscores India’s growing capabilities in biomedical innovation.(The Times of India)
For more information, please visit the original reports from The Times of India and BioPatrika.
