# STTR Phase I: Novel Bioactive Hydrogel Dressings with Porous Surface for Burn Wound Treatment

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · LF PRINTECH LLC (MO) · $305,000

## Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to address the critical challenges in treatment of second-degree burn wounds, which affect over a million individuals annually in the US. Despite advancement in treating wet wounds, existing products fail in the management of burn wounds, causing excessive pain, infection, prolonged healing, and poor functional and aesthetic restoration. This project introduces a novel bioactive hydrogel dressing with a breathable, porous contact designed to accelerate natural healing processes and reduce the trauma associated with dressing changes and body movement. The transparent appearance and bioactive formulation of the proposed dressing allow for non-invasive assessment of the wound and maintain optimal moisture levels for up to 10 days, reducing the frequency of dressing changes. The proposed dressing's extended operational time and enhanced stability offer an effective solution that lowers overall treatment costs, reduces hospital visits, and alleviates the workload on healthcare professionals. This hydrogel dressing is poised to fulfill a substantial demand in the US wound care market by addressing the critical gaps in existing treatments for second-degree burns and other low-exuding wounds such as necrotic wounds and radiation-induced dermatitis.

This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aims to develop a novel dressing prototype, composed of natural hydrog

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2507525
- **Awardee organization:** LF PRINTECH LLC (MO)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** L555ZE912S56
- **PI:** Md Abu Jafor
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** BIOMEDICAL ENG AND DIAGNOSTICS
- **Estimated total:** $305,000
- **Funds obligated:** $305,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2507525

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2507525, STTR Phase I: Novel Bioactive Hydrogel Dressings with Porous Surface for Burn Wound Treatment. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2507525. Licensed CC0.

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