Research Driven by Clinical Need
Chronic wounds affect roughly 2 % of the general population of the United States. Healing these wounds is critical to increasing the likelihood that the patient can recover from the underlying conditions while decreasing the risk of local and systemic infection, reducing risk of amputation, and improving overall quality of life.
Surgical site infections occur after 2-5 % of surgeries resulting in morbidity, increased hospital length of stay, and increased costs. Reducing these infections improves quality of life for the patients and decreases associated costs.
Polymers
Rochal conducts research on synthetic and natural polymers that serve as substrates for human cell attachment and proliferation or provide an environment to improve wound healing.
This work facilitates the development of unique burn and wound care products.
Antimicrobials
Rochal has created innovative antimicrobial technologies for mitigation of microbial colonization and biofilm control.
The science for these technologies draws on synergy between fundamental chemical and biological actions. Continuing research focuses on specific microbiome environments and surrounding conditions.
BIAKŌS™ Antimicrobial Skin and Wound Cleanser (licensed to Sanara MedTech Inc.) is an example of a commercialized product using this synergistic technology.
Biological Systems
A cornerstone in Rochal’s research is the creation of a flowable biomaterial that is conformable to wound void spaces and fosters a cellular environment that supports revascularization and wound healing.