Mesoporous glasses for hemostatic applications

2017 Research Internship Project


Faculty Name

Mark Towler

Project Title

Mesoporous glasses for hemostatic applications

Project Description

Hemorrhage is the most common cause of mortality during both surgery and combat. Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) possess ordered channel structures and high specific surface area and react with blood without producing an exotherm. We developed the first Gallium (Ga)-containing MBGs for hemostasis based on a SiO2 CaO P2O5 network with Ga2O3 substituting incrementally for SiO2. The results confirmed that 1% Ga- containing MBGs accelerated thrombus formation and platelet adhesion and imparted anti-bacterial effects, but the benefits diminished with increased Ga loadings. MBGs formulated to release ions that elicit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory responses could arrest hemorrhage and minimise bacterial infection in surgical and conflict environments. This study, funded through the CIHR Project program, will revolutionize treatment options for hemostasis, both in the clinic and on the battlefield.

Student Responsibility

The student will join a team of graduate students and post doctoral fellows to synthesize and characterise a series of novel Gallium and Zinc containing MBGs. The student will learn how to synthesize glasses through the sol-gel process and they will then be responsible for characterizing the glasses by conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction, particle size analysis and microscopy. These glasses will be tested by a range of in vitro and in vivo test modalities in both Ryerson and with the team’s collaborators in St Michael’s Hospital.

Specific Requirements

Student should have completed at least the second year of the Ryerson BME undergraduate program, including the BME423: Biomaterials course.

Reseach Internship Application

Mark Towler : Mesoporous glasses for hemostatic applications | Tuesday April 4th 2017 12:33 PM