Electrical and Burn Injury
ELECTRICAL INJURY
Mechanism of Injury
Electrical injuries are a significant cause of permanent disability. In electrocution, a surge of electricity produces a large electrochemical gradient across cell membranes, destabilizing the membranes and leading to pore formation. The large temperature increase associated with electrocution adds to membrane destabilization. The effect of electrocution on cells is called electroporation and has been extensively researched by Dr. Raphael Lee and Maroon’s scientists.
Maroon Biotech's Solution
Dr. Lee has shown PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers to have a large beneficial effect on electrocuted cells and tissue. The membrane sealing properties of Maroon’s surfactant chaperone technology can preserve cellular functions and enable improved recovery from electrocution injury.
BURN INJURY
Mechanism of injury
The types of cellular damage that occur during burn injury vary in type and severity depending on the distance from the center of the burn. Areas at the center exhibit protein denaturation and complete disruption of cell membranes due to high temperatures. Tissue surrounding the central site injury experience reduced blood flow and a potential for continued tissue loss following the initial insult if not treated expediently and properly. Among the cellular and molecular-level activities that occur following injury in this same area are an increase in oxygen free radicals, permeabilization of cell membranes, immune response, and blood clots that further restrict flow of essentials for healthy cells such as oxygen.
Maroon Biotech's Solution
Maroon’s PEO-PPO-PEO formulations have the capability to address all of these indications. PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers themselves have shown to be effective sealers of porated cell membranes, agents for protein refolding, inhibitors of certain immunological activities, and modulators of blood rheology. Maroon scientists are currently developing combination therapies that comprise these copolymers and other compounds that provide specific benefits for burn injury. These other compounds may include free radical scavengers or cofactors to stabilize cell function.