Researchers Develop a Portable Gel-Driven Wound Closure Device
Scientists at MISIS University in collaboration with the Federal State Budgetary Institution Burdenko National Medical Research Center for Defense Medicine have introduced a new soft tissue closure device. The innovation, nicknamed the cloth gun, uses an engineered gel delivery system combined with a spray adhesive to seal wounds four times faster than traditional methods. In tests, covering a wound area of about 10 square centimeters takes roughly two seconds, according to MISIS sources cited by socialbites.ca.
The design delivers ultrasonic generated cross linking in the treated tissue, a feature not seen in competing devices. It also accommodates syringes with volumes between 20 and 25 milliliters, with typical applications using up to 10 milliliters from domestic manufacturers. The updated model emphasizes ease of operation and one handed use, making it suitable for medical personnel during the different phases of medical evacuation and field care. This capability is expected to raise both the speed and quality of care delivered to wounded patients as they progress through evacuation and subsequent treatment stages. The Burdenko Center was the initial testing site for this innovative medical complex.
Weight reductions are a key part of the redesign. The device now weighs about 350 grams, down from 800 grams, enabling surgeons and nurses to operate it with a single hand when needed. The slimmer profile supports rapid response in high pressure environments and helps maintain momentum in field operations where space and dexterity are at a premium. The revised device aims to streamline wound management before patients are transferred to the next stage of care, thus potentially reducing time to treatment and improving overall outcomes.
Medical teams from the Burdenko Center report that the device functions as a mobile dressing station. It operates without requiring separate bandages or traditional dressings in its standard use, which can simplify logistics in austere settings and during rapid triage. The system integrates multiple therapeutic agents with wound closure in a single application, enabling a flexible approach to care depending on wound characteristics.
The core advance lies in a patented method for applying proprietary and commercially produced gel formulations alongside the closure mechanism. By varying the gel composition, clinicians can select combinations that include hemostatic, analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and healing-promoting components. The choice is guided by the wound condition, the patient’s needs, and the clinical context, allowing a tailored approach to each injury.
Previous MISIS projects include the development of a flight delay estimation application, demonstrating the university’s breadth in applying engineering and data science to real world challenges. The cloth gun represents a parallel thrust that blends materials science, biomedical engineering, and practical field medicine to address urgent care in both military and civilian settings. As researchers continue to refine the technology, attention remains on usability, reliability, and the potential to reduce complications associated with wound care in demanding environments. The collaboration underscores the role of cross disciplinary teams in translating laboratory discoveries into devices that can save time, conserve resources, and improve patient outcomes in critical moments.