The US Army has partnered with Cambridge-based biotechnology company SolasCure to test the firm’s investigational hydrogel solution for wound care in combat.
The Aurase Wound Gel incorporates a recombinant enzyme called “tarumase” sourced from maggots. This enzyme is found to be effective for “debridement” or dead skin removal as well as wound bed preparation, promoting a holistic approach to managing wounds through natural and alternative healing methods.
SolasCure’s study with the army’s Institute of Surgical Research will focus on two non-clinical pathways to evaluate the technology’s enzymatic debridement properties to reduce biofilm production and other “bioburdens” during treatment.
Tasks involve targeting opportunistic pathogens, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which complicate wound care through tissue-damaging toxins and enzymes.
Such issues cause further biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance that lead to slow recovery, infection, chronic inflammation, and other conditions.
Experiments will be conducted using both in vivo and in vitro procedures.
“It is an honour that the US military, one of the most prestigious and impressive institutions globally, has identified our technology and chosen to support its ongoing development,” SolasCure CEO Lee Harle stated.
“We look forward to the outcome of the projects to assess the suitability of Aurase Wound Gel for managing biofilm and bioburden in prolonged combat situations.”
Gel for Trauma
In August 2024, a biotech organization from the US received Food and Drug Administration clearance for a hemostatic gel developed to address the external bleeding of warfighters in the field.
This syringe-based solution combines algae and fungi that were observed to rapidly treat severe blood loss from hemorrhage or gunshot wounds.