Highly efficient semiconductor modules making controllable parallel microchannels for non-compressible hemorrhages.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Materials Science
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Nature utilizes parallel tubular structures for efficient fluid transport in plants.
• Parallel channeled structures inspire novel designs for fluid management and hemostasis.
• Hemorrhage remains a leading cause of trauma-related death, necessitating advanced hemostatic solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mini-thermoelectric semiconductor P-N module for creating gradient and parallel channeled hydrogels.
• To investigate the liquid absorption rate, shape memory mechanics, and hemostatic performance of these engineered hydrogels.
• To demonstrate the universal applicability of the developed device across various polymer solutions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of mini-thermoelectric semiconductor P-N modules.
• Rapid cooling of polymer solutions (20°C to -20°C in 5 min) to induce hydrogel formation.
• Characterization of hydrogel properties including porosity, expansion rate, liquid absorption, and blood absorption.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of hemostatic performance using collagen-kaolin parallel channel foams.

Main Results:

• The mini-thermoelectric module successfully created gradient and parallel channeled hydrogels from various polymers.
• The engineered foams exhibited high porosity (96.43%) and rapid expansion (2934%).
• Hydrogels demonstrated superior liquid absorption (37.25x own weight), absorption speed (46.5x), and blood absorption (24x) compared to random porous foams, leading to effective hemostasis.

Conclusions:

• The developed mini-thermoelectric semiconductor module enables the fabrication of advanced parallel channeled hydrogels.
• These hydrogels possess remarkable liquid absorption and shape memory properties.
• The engineered hydrogels show significant potential for rapid and effective hemostasis in emergency medicine.