Next-Gen Hemostat Technology: Innovations in Bleeding Control

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As a child, Ms. Charito Tranquilan-Aranilla was passionate about science, which motivated her to pursue her academic path in Chemisty. She was later hired by the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute where she learned more about Nuclear Science, Radiation, Processing, and Technology. Her stay at DOST-PNRI led her to develop the idea of the New Hemostat Technology which enhances the chance of survival of a person who is exposed to hemorrhage. 

Hemorrhage secondary to trauma is the leading cause of death among Americans up to the age of forty-six (46) years old. In 2000, the World Health Organization estimated that injury was responsible for 9% of the global mortality, and worldwide, it comprised 12% of the disease burden. Approximately 90% of injuries occur in low and middle-income nations; traffic accidents and violence contribute to high rates of fatal hemorrhages. 

“Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and we want to contribute a solution that will increase the chances of saving lives”, Ms. Charito Aranilla said in a press brief written interview.

Bridging the Gap of the Philippines’ Emergency Health Interventions

It all started when one of the inventors met with a personnel from the defense sector, who expressed their concern about the lack of medical devices like hemostats in the country. This meeting inspired the research team to develop something that could contribute to saving lives in emergency situations.

The team of DOST-PNRI worked tirelessly to develop hemostats made of natural materials that could be sterilized and made effective and safe for use through radiation technology. The hemostat in granules was designed to be applied directly to the bleeding site, absorbing the fluid and forming a physical plug that stops the bleeding quickly.

The New Hemostat Technology filled a crucial gap in the healthcare, emergency response, and defense sectors, providing sustainable, accessible, and affordable biomedical devices for emergency health intervention. The prototypes were based on natural and water-soluble polymers of plant origin, which was a significant departure from the majority of the commercially available hemostats that were based on marine animals.

The granules exhibit a fast-clotting action without irritating the tissue, and do not cause a burning sensation on the skin, unlike mineral-based products. Furthermore, the granules were less likely to be blown away by the wind than powder hemostats.

With her invention, Ms. Aranilla hopes to make a significant impact in various sectors, such as healthcare, emergency and disaster response, defense, and even in the veterinary field. 

Thanks to the team’s dedication and hard work, they were able to develop an innovative solution to a crucial problem in the medical field. She believes that success means contributing a positive impact to society by developing functional and relevant technologies that will create wealth and protect the environment. “My motivation comes from a strong desire to impart a positive impact on society and improve the lives of the Filipino by developing functional and relevant technologies for health, agriculture, and the environment that will create wealth, and protect the environment....Success also means contributing a positive impact on your organization or society and being an enabler of positive change through innovative technologies and initiatives.” Ms. Charito Aranilla expressed her source of inspiration and what success means for her in a press brief written interview. New Hemostat Technology flying again in the International Scene 

The New Hemostat Technology has won several awards from both national and international competitions. It won the Likha Award in Outstanding Creative Research - Government-Funded at the 2022 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE), and the Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) Best International Invention and Innovation Award. The hemostat technology was also recognized by the Korea Invention Promotion Institute for Excellent Efforts in Creating an Invention and won the 2023 SIIF Gold Award. 

Photo retrieved from DOST’s website [Link: https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/78-2023-news/3406-dost-pnri-researchers-get-gold-silver-special-awards-in-korean-invention-fair.html]

By Mirielle V. Vacal 

Revolutionizing Agriculture with Eco-Friendly Innovation: The Story of Super Water Absorbent Gel

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the heart of the Philippines, amidst the vibrant landscape of innovation, two brilliant minds, Lorna Relleve and Charito Aranilla, have spearheaded a groundbreaking invention set to transform the agricultural sector globally. Their creation, the Super Water Absorbent (SWA) gel, stands as a testament to the power of scientific ingenuity and environmental consciousness.

This biodegradable, non-toxic gel, derived from a fusion of cassava starch and acrylic acid, has emerged as a game-changer in sustainable farming practices. With its remarkable ability to absorb water up to 500 times its dry weight, the SWA gel holds the promise of revolutionizing irrigation methods, enhancing crop productivity, and mitigating the adverse effects of drought.

Driven by a shared vision to address environmental challenges, Relleve and Aranilla embarked on a journey of innovation, leveraging their expertise in the radiation processing of polymers and material science. Their dedication culminated in the development of a technology that not only outperforms conventional superabsorbents but also champions eco-friendliness and biodegradability.

"The inspiration behind our invention stemmed from a desire to create a solution that not only meets the needs of agriculture but also respects the environment," shares Relleve, Senior Science Research Specialist at the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

Aranilla, Scientist at the same institute, adds, "We envisioned a product that not only conserves water but also promotes sustainable farming practices. The SWA gel represents a harmonious blend of innovation and environmental stewardship."

Their invention caught the attention of the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application & Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), which recognized its potential to make waves on the international stage. With the assistance of DOST-TAPI, Relleve and Aranilla seized the opportunity to showcase their innovation at the prestigious Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. "The support of DOST-TAPI has been instrumental in bringing our invention into the global spotlight," says Relleve. "We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to showcase Filipino innovation on an international platform."

Indeed, the participation of Filipino inventions in global exhibitions like the one in Geneva signifies a significant step towards expanding market reach and tapping into new opportunities abroad. Switzerland, known for its advanced technology sector and emphasis on sustainability, presents a fertile ground for Filipino innovations.

"The Philippines has a rich history of invention and innovation, and it's time for the world to take notice," emphasized Aranilla. "Our goal is not only to showcase the ingenuity of Filipino inventors but also to contribute to addressing global challenges."

As the SWA gel prepares to make its debut on the international stage, its impact reverberates far beyond the borders of the Philippines. With its potential to revolutionize agriculture and promote sustainability, this invention embodies the spirit of Filipino innovation and holds the key to unlocking a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

In the words of Relleve and Aranilla, "Our journey as inventors has been driven by a passion for making a positive impact. We are excited to share our invention with the world and to play a part in shaping a more sustainable future for all."

** This feature is a part of the "Shape the Future" campaign, highlighting nine Philippine Inventions featured in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2023. Competing for gold awards, these innovations also aim to promote local technologies for potential international technology transfer and commercialization.

By Dyann Daniel 

Cutting-Edge Hydrogels: Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Acid for Medical Advances

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world increasingly being aware of the environmental footprint of industrial processes and products, the quest for sustainable solutions has become paramount. Fortunately, we have come to see a groundbreaking invention – the Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Acid (CMHA) Hydrogels, a true game-changer in diverse sectors ranging from healthcare to textiles. This invention was created in the busy laboratories of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI). 

The Invention

CMHA Hydrogels are derived from hyaluronic acid, a compound renowned for its multifaceted biological functions, including promoting cell migration and proliferation. In general, hydrogels are materials that can hold large amounts of water in their 3-dimensional structure. This ability to retain water makes hydrogels unique and useful for various applications. What sets CMHA apart is its production process, which eschews toxic agents in favor of a green approach utilizing only water and radiation. This not only ensures a high-purity product but also underscores its eco-friendly credentials. For instance, it can provide a moist environment around the wound and support the healing process.

CMHA hydrogels were created using green technology which means that they are prepared without chemical additives and at ambient temperature. They are derived from hyaluronic acid which has diverse biological functions and the addition of the carboxymethyl group imparts additional functionalities. Without toxic crosslinking agents, our hydrogels exhibit exceptional biocompatibility. “Before we can prepare the hydrogel, we have to synthesize CMHA since it is not commercially available. Scaling up the synthesis of CMHA is not easy – the purification and drying steps are tedious and long because we do not have the needed equipment. We were able to do it with tenacity and patience”, said Ms. Relleve when once asked about the struggles and challenges they faced during the development of their invention.

Versatility and Advantages

One of the most remarkable aspects of CMHA Hydrogels is its versatility. With properties adjustable via irradiation dose, these hydrogels exhibit a wide range of swelling capabilities,making them ideal for various biomedical applications. From wound dressings to ocular treatments and drug delivery systems, CMHA Hydrogels offer a safe, biocompatible alternative to conventional products, free from toxic residues.

The competitive advantage of CMHA Hydrogels lies in its carboxymethyl group, which enhances hydrophilicity and water-absorbing capacity. This, coupled with its biodegradability and stimuli-responsive swelling properties, positions CMHA Hydrogels as a frontrunner in sustainable material innovation. Moreover, its exceptional safety profile makes it a preferred choice across industries, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and beyond.

The Creators

The journey from concept to reality has been fueled by the relentless dedication of the PNRI team, led by inventors Lorna S. Relleve, Alvin Kier R. Gallardo, Mariel G. Tecson, Lucille V. Abad, and John Andrew A. Luna. Their vision, coupled with PNRI's commitment to advancing nuclear science for peaceful applications, has culminated in a groundbreaking invention poised to leave an indelible mark on the global stage.

“We want to develop hydrogels by radiation technology that has superior quality and can be used safely in various applications that can enhance the quality of life,” said Ms. Relleve when asked what inspired them to develop this invention.

“We are motivated by the opportunity to bring our vision to life and make meaningful contributions in the field of radiation processing and to make a difference in the world,” she added.

Ms. Relleve, who has been with the DOST-PNRI for three decades, spearheaded the research and development of the CMHA Hydrogels. She has always been fond of polymer modification through radiation, especially for various hydrogel applications. She, together with her team believes that success is when they can publish their work to have it patented, and eventually commercialize.

Commercial Vision

As the global Hydrogel Market continues to expand, with projections reaching USD 32.62 billion by 2029, the potential for CMHA Hydrogels is immense. From apparel and home textiles to industrial applications, the demand for sustainable materials is on the rise, presenting a lucrative opportunity for innovators and investors alike.

The CMHA Hydrogels epitomize the marriage of innovation and sustainability, paving the way for a greener, healthier future. With its myriad applications and untapped potential, this invention stands as a testament to the power of scientific ingenuity in addressing pressing global challenges. As of now, the CMHA Hydrogels have not been deployed yet, but prototypes are available. However, further research and development works are needed to use them in various medical applications.

As we embark on a journey towards a more sustainable world, CMHA Hydrogels serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to push the boundaries of what is possible and usher in a new era of responsible innovation.

** This feature is a part of the "Shape the Future" campaign, highlighting nine Philippine inventions featured in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2023. Competing for gold awards, these innovations also aim to promote local technologies for potential international technology transfer and commercialization.

By Matt Jerome Casequin