IP Requirement: Rincara Bio IP

Experience Requirement:

– Mechanical Design

– Rapid Prototyping

Chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and venous leg ulcers, are a significant and growing healthcare burden, affecting over 6.5 million patients in the United States alone. These wounds are particularly challenging when complicated by biofilm formation and antibiotic-resistant infections, often resulting in prolonged healing times, repeat hospitalizations, and risk of limb amputation. Current standard-of-care treatments, including debridement, topical agents, and systemic antibiotics, are often insufficient, especially in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The proposed project aims to address this unmet clinical need by advancing the development of a portable, non-thermal cold plasma therapy device. This device is designed to deliver targeted antimicrobial treatment directly to chronic wound sites, disrupting biofilms and reducing microbial load without damaging healthy tissue. Cold plasma therapy has been shown in early research to accelerate wound healing, improve tissue oxygenation, and enhance immune response.

Unlike existing technologies, this solution offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing infection and promoting healing in chronic wounds. The portability of the device allows for potential use in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even home care settings, offering a broader reach in improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs.

Student engineers will work closely with the clinical and research team to address key design challenges, such as optimal electrode configuration, treatment consistency, and safety protocols. The project will also involve collaboration with wound care specialists to ensure clinical relevance and potential for future adoption. This interdisciplinary effort bridges biomedical engineering, dermatology, and infection control, and supports a growing need for innovation in wound care management.