An antimicrobial amphiphilic hydrogel composition for use in haemostasis of a wound comprising: a first cross-linkable amphiphilic component, the first amphiphilic component, in its chemically cross-linked state, being a lyotropic liquid crystal and having an ordered nanostructure of hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains, the hydrogel comprising an antimicrobial agent covalently attached to the hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic domains.

Methods of using fiber-reinforced composite articles useful in supporting or immobilizing an injured body part is disclosed. The composite is a multi-layer, flexible precursor including fiber reinforcement plies, which can be rapidly cured into a rigid body using a thermosetting resin. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed, along with kits containing such composite articles.

Methods of using fiber-reinforced composite articles useful in supporting or immobilizing an injured body part is disclosed. The composite is a multi-layer, flexible precursor including fiber reinforcement plies, which can be rapidly cured into a rigid body using a thermosetting resin. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed, along with kits containing such composite articles.

One embodiment relates to an orthopedic precast comprises a knitted shell portion and a knitted flexible portion. Heat or other hardening agent is used to harden the shell portion, while retaining flexibility in the flexible portion. Contemplated hardening agents include light, heat, and chemical polymerizing agents. In some embodiments the shell portion includes thermoplastic threads or yarns, which is then hardened by heating the thermoplastic sufficiently to at least partially melt, and thereby fuse together some of the threads or yarns, and then cooling to ambient temperature for enhanced rigidity. In other embodiments, the precast is contained in a bag or other airtight container, along with a self-heating composition that is triggered to release heat upon contact with oxygen. In still other embodiments, the precast includes a prepolymer of other polymerizable composition, which is polymerized by effective application of light, heat, and/or chemical agent(s) or deployed as a wearable.

An orthopedic precast comprises a knitted shell portion and a knitted flexible portion. The precast is positioned about a limb or other mold, and heat or other hardening agent is used to harden the shell portion, while retaining flexibility in the flexible portion. Contemplated hardening agents include light, heat, and chemical polymerizing agents. In some embodiments the shell portion includes threads or yarns comprising a thermoplastic, which is then hardened by heating the thermoplastic sufficiently to at least partially melt, and thereby fuse together some of the threads or yarns, and then cooling to ambient temperature. In other embodiments, the precast is contained in a bag or other airtight container, along with a self-heating composition that is triggered to release heat upon contact with oxygen. In still other embodiments, the precast includes a prepolymer of other polymerizable composition, which is polymerized by effective application of light, heat, and/or chemical agent(s).

An orthopedic precast comprises a knitted shell portion and a knitted flexible portion. The precast is positioned about a limb or other mold, and heat or other hardening agent is used to harden the shell portion, while retaining flexibility in the flexible portion. Contemplated hardening agents include light, heat, and chemical polymerizing agents. In some embodiments the shell portion includes threads or yarns comprising a thermoplastic, which is then hardened by heating the thermoplastic sufficiently to at least partially melt, and thereby fuse together some of the threads or yarns, and then cooling to ambient temperature. In other embodiments, the precast is contained in a bag or other airtight container, along with a self-heating composition that is triggered to release heat upon contact with oxygen. In still other embodiments, the precast includes a prepolymer of other polymerizable composition, which is polymerized by effective application of light, heat, and/or chemical agent(s).

A fiber-reinforced composite article useful in supporting or immobilizing an injured body part is disclosed. The composite is a multi-layer, flexible precursor including fiber reinforcement plies, which can be rapidly cured into a rigid body using a thermosetting resin. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed, along with kits containing such composite articles.

A fiber-reinforced composite article useful in supporting or immobilizing an injured body part is disclosed. The composite is a multi-layer, flexible precursor including fiber reinforcement plies, which can be rapidly cured into a rigid body using a thermosetting resin. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed, along with kits containing such composite articles.

A splinting system that includes a curable splint member including layers of fiberglass cloth coated with a water curable resin, and a pad at least partially enveloping the layers of fiberglass cloth, the pad having an exterior surface and an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface; and a metal foil pouch containing the curable splint member, the metal foil pouch including an exterior surface. The antimicrobial coating includes a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof. The silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof is one or more of: 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The antimicrobial coating can be applied to the curable splint member by applying a solution, which includes 0.1 percent and 10 percent by weight the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof and an isopropyl alcohol solvent, to the exterior surface of the pad.

A splinting system that includes a curable splint member including layers of fiberglass cloth coated with a water curable resin, and a pad at least partially enveloping the layers of fiberglass cloth, the pad having an exterior surface and an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface; and a metal foil pouch containing the curable splint member, the metal foil pouch including an exterior surface. The antimicrobial coating includes a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof. The silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof is one or more of: 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The antimicrobial coating can be applied to the curable splint member by applying a solution, which includes 0.1 percent and 10 percent by weight the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof and an isopropyl alcohol solvent, to the exterior surface of the pad.