# A New Paradigm to Treat Bleeding by Augmenting Hemostasis via Microscale Electrical Fields

> **NIH NIH F31** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $52,694

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Hemorrhage is a common occurrence inside and outside of the clinical environment. Although advancements
have been made to enable rapid hemostatic control, hemorrhage is still a significant contributor to morbidity and
mortality. Current approaches to achieve hemostatic control focus on pharmacological and electrothermal means
of intervention. These methods of addressing hemorrhage are effective; however, they are not broadly applicable
and are associated with numerous adverse effects. The pharmacological methods rely on the use of biologic
agents that present the risks of infection and immune dysregulation. Electrothermal means of addressing
hemorrhage, such as electrocauterization often result in compromised tissue appearance and function. To
address this need for improved hemostatic agents, we propose the use of microscale electrical fields to
accelerate hemostasis, which has been demonstrated by our previous work. A fundamental question pertains to
the mechanistic underpinnings of microscale-electrical-field hemostatic augmentation. The central hypothesis is
that tunable (low voltage) electrical fields catalyze pro-hemostatic fibrin deposition and endothelial mechanics.
This hypothesis will be investigated by the following proposed specific aims. Aim 1 will establish the mechanism
underlying microscale-electrical-field hemostatic augmentation. The objective is to understand how microscale
electrical fields target hemostasis in comparison to current hemostatic agents. Aim 2 will use novel in vitro
models of blood vessels to characterize how blood vessel cells respond to electrical fields in the context of
bleeding. The trainee will master a wide range of engineering, chemistry, and biological techniques, including
nanofabrication, microsystem engineering using microfluidics, and advanced microscopy techniques. The
laboratory in which the proposed work will be conducted is the ideal environment for this research trainee as it
has demonstrated an abundance of resources and numerous opportunities for cross-training in fields ranging
from life sciences to engineering all of which will foster the well-roundedness of the trainee. The proposed
research will provide insight into a novel approach to accelerating hemostasis using microscale electrical fields.
This research will provide a strong foundation for future medical microsystem- based strategies for evaluating
disease and treatment options. The training plan proposed to accomplish these goals has been specifically
designed to provide the PI with the environment, training, and mentorship necessary to succeed as a physician-
scientist-engineer.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10612469
- **Project number:** 5F31HL158223-03
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Eudorah Vital
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $52,694
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-06-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10612469

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10612469, A New Paradigm to Treat Bleeding by Augmenting Hemostasis via Microscale Electrical Fields (5F31HL158223-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10612469. Licensed CC0.

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