Delaware spin-out hand in glove with CDC

STF Technologies, a Delaware University spin-out, is working on a puncture-resistant glove that could help protect healthcare workers in the US from needlestick injuries. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) estimates the number of such injuries to be around 385,000.

STF Technologies, co-founded by Norman Wagner and Richard Dombrowski, is developing a surgical glove based on shear thickening fluid (STF) armour technology. It grew out of federally funded research by Wagner, professor of chemical and biomolecular engerineering, and Eric Wetzel at the US Army Research Laboratory. The material is able to change from liquid to solid in response to ballistic and puncture threats, as tiny ceramic particles are driven together under mechanical stress. When added to a fabric, it creates a nanocomposite material that can harden rapidly and form a temporary shield before becoming flexible again – an ideal product to prevent needlestick injuries.

Almost 90% of needlestick injuries occur in the hand, and expose surgeons, nurses and other healthcare staff to blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, or hepatitis B and C. The average cost to the hospital of such an injury is $2500. Currently, the technology is already under development to protect soldiers, police and first responders.

The company has secured funding through the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Technology Transfer Programme, and will use this money to advance early product development and testing of puncture-resistant surgical gloves. Through the programme, Delaware University also directly receives $67000.

Wagner said: “Surgical gloves are a billion-dollar market and despite the high number of needlestick injuries to the hand, there is no effective puncture-resistant medical glove on the market. Our concept is to develop a cost-effective glove that protects against accidental needlestick injury while providing medical professionals the dexterity and comfort to effectively do their work.”