Experts from the Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) and the ETH Zurich research center have joined forces to create a breakthrough project. They have succeeded in developing a laser welding technique that heals wounds quickly and safely without additional laser protection.
The experts apply a nanoparticle poultice to the wound and then use light to harden the wound - a new method of sealing wounds that could become a new tool in the operating room.
According to the ETH team, surgeons have conducted research related to laser welding as a wound closure method in the past. This method is thought to accelerate healing and reduce the risk of infection, but comes with the challenge of temperature monitoring and control.
The key issue they face is that this thermal response must remain within the intrinsic range of biomaterials, and temperature is difficult to measure in a non-invasive manner - which has been a challenge in the application of welding processes in medicine.
Previous research includes a 2018 project at Arizona State University that incorporated gold nanoparticles into solder materials to influence thermal effects and minimize inflammation.
The solution this time, on the other hand, was designed by EMPA's Particle-Biological Interactions Laboratory, and the Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory at ETH Zurich. They developed an adhesive containing metal and ceramic nanoparticles and utilized a nanothermometer to control the temperature. The new soldering method is called "iSoldering" (intelligent solder).
The technique uses two types of nanoparticles - titanium nitride and bismuth vanadate. When these particles are illuminated by a light source that is weakly absorbed by the surrounding tissue, the titanium nitride converts the light into heat, while the bismuth vanadate acts as a "nano-thermometer" that emits different wavelengths depending on the temperature.
Clinical translation by medical infrared lamps
This combination of nanoparticles makes iSoldering particularly suitable for minimally invasive procedures, according to the researchers. This is because the combined solder does not require agitation and the temperature difference can be determined with very high spatial resolution in both shallow and deep wounds.
After completing the mathematical modeling of the proposed technology, the project started a collaboration with surgeons from the University Hospital Zurich, the Cleveland Clinic in the United States and Charles University in Prague to begin evaluating the potential of iSoldering for clinical applications.
Experts from EMPA said, "In laboratory tests, the research team succeeded in achieving fast, stable and biocompatible bonding of organ wounds including the pancreas and the liver. iSoldering demonstrated its excellent sealing effect even in the face of challenging tissue blocks such as the urethra, fallopian tubes or intestines. "
The research team further noted in their paper that iSoldering has great potential for use in robotic and laparoscopic surgery when faced with common problems such as incorrect suture positioning.
Currently, while the "iSoldering" option was originally envisioned as a direct laser irradiation method, the team is exploring whether the same effect can be achieved through the use of milder, low-intensity near-infrared illumination. If achieved, this would greatly simplify the clinical transfer process, as near-infrared light is already widely recognized and used in medicine.
EMPA's Inge Herrmann commented, "If it is possible to utilize medically accepted infrared light, then this innovative welding technique will hopefully find its way into the traditional operating room without the need for additional laser protection measures."
This combination of nanoparticles makes iSoldering particularly suitable for minimally invasive surgery, the researchers said. This is because the combined solder does not require agitation and the temperature difference can be determined with very high spatial resolution in both shallow and deep wounds.
After completing the mathematical modeling of the proposed technology, the project started a collaboration with surgeons from the University Hospital Zurich, the Cleveland Clinic in the United States and Charles University in Prague to begin evaluating the potential of iSoldering for clinical applications.
Experts from EMPA said, "In laboratory tests, the research team succeeded in achieving fast, stable and biocompatible bonding of organ wounds including the pancreas and the liver. iSoldering demonstrated its excellent sealing effect even in the face of challenging tissue blocks such as the urethra, fallopian tubes or intestines. "
The research team further noted in their paper that iSoldering has great potential for use in robotic and laparoscopic surgery when faced with common problems such as incorrect suture positioning.
Currently, while the "iSoldering" option was originally envisioned as a direct laser irradiation method, the team is exploring whether the same effect can be achieved through the use of milder, low-intensity near-infrared illumination. If achieved, this would greatly simplify the clinical transfer process, as near-infrared light is already widely recognized and used in medicine.
EMPA's Inge Herrmann commented, "If it is possible to utilize medically accepted infrared light, then this innovative welding technique will hopefully find its way into the traditional operating room without the need for additional laser protection measures."
