Capitol News

Researchers at Michigan State University are exploring new applications for a liquid nanofoam material capable of shielding vital internal organs from trauma. Developed by Weiyi Lu and colleagues within MSU's College of Engineering, the material was initially designed to protect the brain from injuries like concussions in sports. It has now been refined to provide similar protection to internal organs in cases of blunt force trauma.

The potential for this technology is significant, as falls and motor vehicle crashes can lead to severe internal injuries. These injuries often occur through intense mechanical force, causing damage without puncturing the body. Lu, collaborating with Yun Liang from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, is working to test and develop the liquid nanofoam's capacity to absorb impact forces in such events.

“We improved the liquid nanofoam by adjusting its protective response to match biological organs,” Lu explained. The product, enclosed in a flexible pouch, was tested by placing it over tissue samples and subjecting it to trauma-like compression.

Liang emphasized, “For the first time, we are trying to understand how trauma is introduced by mechanical force and effectively mitigated it by using liquid nanofoam.” The research team observed the material’s capacity to protect organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs from forces mimicking blunt force injuries. Liang remarked on the visible absence of damage, describing her amazement at the results.

Beyond medical applications, the liquid nanofoam could be used in various protective scenarios, like enhancing automobile safety or offering structural protection during earthquakes. The research, supported by the MSU Tetrad Initiative for interdisciplinary research, was published in Nature Scientific Reports.