“GastroShield,” a Sprayable Gel to Prevent Bleeding
“To develop GastroShield, the team [at MIT] used a polymer called pluronic, which is a block copolymer that self-assembles into spheres called micelles. The researchers added that the ends of the polymers feature multiple amine groups that reach the surface of the micelles. The gel also features oxidized dextran, a polysaccharide that forms strong yet reversible bonds with the amine groups of the pluronic micelles. Once applied, the materials immediately react, both with each other and with the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, creating a solid gel in under five seconds. The gel’s micelles are “self-healing” and capable of absorbing forces encountered during peristaltic movements and as food moves along the digestive tract by temporarily breaking apart and then re-assembling.” MORE
Image Credit: MIT News