Burns

Burn care spans rapid stabilization, fluid resuscitation, debridement, infection control, definitive wound coverage and reconstruction. Military-relevant burns often coexist with polytrauma, inhalation injury, and delayed evacuation, requiring portable diagnostics, infection-resistant wound therapies, and regenerative solutions to restore skin, function, and readiness.

Technical Challenges

  • Rapid and accurate assessment of burn depth and total body surface area (TBSA) in austere or prehospital environments

  • Infection, biofilm formation, and rising antimicrobial resistance complicating wound healing and graft take

  • Severe pain management, fluid balance, and systemic inflammatory response in polytrauma patients

  • Limited access to autologous skin grafts and reliable off-the-shelf skin substitutes for large TBSA injuries

  • Restoring functional, aesthetic outcomes and preventing debilitating hypertrophic scarring and contractures

Emerging Opportunities

  • Point-of-care diagnostics to distinguish early infection, biofilm, and burn depth for targeted therapy

  • Portable, durable skin substitutes and biologic matrices that integrate without complex cold chains

  • Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm therapeutics effective against multidrug-resistant organisms in wounds

  • Regenerative therapies and scar-modulating agents that accelerate functional recovery in austere settings

  • Decision-support tools for triage, fluid resuscitation, and surgical timing during prolonged field care

Current and Emerging Technologies in Burns

Advanced wound dressings & antimicrobial biologics

Antimicrobial-impregnated dressings, silver and iodine matrices, enzyme-based debriders and growth factor–augmented biologics to reduce infection and promote granulation.

Skin substitutes and tissue-engineered grafts

Cellular and acellular dermal matrices, cultured autografts, 3D-printed skin and composite constructs that aim to replace autograft needs and improve coverage for large TBSA burns.

Rapid diagnostics & biosensors

Point-of-care assays, molecular pathogen detection, and wound-biomarker sensors to detect infection, quantify inflammation, and guide antimicrobial stewardship in forward environments.

Regenerative medicine & scar modulation

Stem-cell therapies, ECM scaffolds, antifibrotic agents and targeted molecular modulators that reduce hypertrophic scarring and restore elasticity and function.

Telemedicine, decision support & logistics

Remote triage, burn depth imaging, algorithmic resuscitation calculators and supply-chain solutions to extend definitive care into prolonged and distributed care settings.

Importance to Military Medicine

Combat casualty care and polytrauma

Blast and flame injuries frequently accompany hemorrhage, fractures and inhalation injury; integrated burn solutions reduce mortality and morbidity in multisystem trauma.

Prolonged and austere care

Delayed evacuation and resource-limited settings demand portable diagnostics, durable dressings and therapies that maintain graft viability and prevent sepsis during extended care.

Force readiness and return to duty

Effective acute and reconstructive care reduces long-term disability, expedites rehabilitation, and preserves operational capability and workforce readiness.

Mass-casualty and humanitarian response

Scalable, easy-to-deploy technologies are essential for military-led disaster relief and civil–military partnerships during large burn incidents.

Alignment with the MTEC Mission

Directly supports DoD priorities for combat casualty care, rapid translation of biomedical innovations, and enhanced readiness through field-deployable solutions.

Aligns with MTEC’s mission to accelerate validation and fielding of technologies that also yield civilian health benefits after commercialization.

Bridges multidisciplinary expertise—trauma surgery, infectious disease, materials science and regenerative medicine—within MTEC’s collaborative consortium model.

Enables rapid, prototyped clinical studies and transition-to-field pathways using MTEC’s DoD-focused project funding and partner networks.

Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications

Dual-use technologies support military deployment and civilian burn centers: wound dressings, skin substitutes, infection diagnostics and teletriage platforms that scale across settings.

Commercializable biologics and regenerative products reduce long-term disability from burns in veterans and civilian trauma populations, increasing market viability.

Rapid POC diagnostics and biosensors developed for field use inform civilian emergency departments and outpatient wound clinics to improve antimicrobial stewardship.

Telemedicine, imaging and decision-support tools created for far-forward care facilitate remote consultations and rehabilitation programs across healthcare systems.

Explore MTEC Members with Burns Capabilities

MTEC members bring multidisciplinary strengths—clinical burn surgeons, infectious-disease researchers, biomaterials engineers, and industry partners—to accelerate prototyping, rigorous clinical evaluation, and regulatory pathways.

Consortium capabilities in translational research, DoD-focused funding mechanisms, and established military–civilian partnerships enable faster transition from lab to field.

Explore member profiles to identify collaborators with expertise in skin engineering, anti-biofilm therapeutics, POC diagnostics, telehealth and regulatory strategy to advance burn care solutions.

212 Members with Burns capabilities.

The University of Texas System
The University of Texas System

The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.

IQVIA
IQVIA

IQVIA is a global leader in advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services for the life sciences industry. With a mission to accelerate innovation for a healthier world and a vision to power smarter healthcare for everyone, everywhere, IQVIA leverages unparalleled data, transformative technology, and deep healthcare expertise to drive better patient outcomes. Operating in over 100 countries with approximately 88,000 employees, IQVIA supports pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech, public health, and government organizations with a comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions. The company is recognized for its Connected Intelligence™, healthcare-grade AI, and commitment to sustainability, innovation, and evidence-based insights that shape the future of healthcare globally. IQVIA is also dedicated to reducing health inequities and driving sustainable change through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions, partnering with organizations worldwide to address complex healthcare challenges.

Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)
Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)

The Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) is a member-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the bioeconomy of the United States. Its mission encompasses enhancing manufacturing, healthcare, and education and workforce development, aiming to create a scalable and effective manufacturing ecosystem for engineered cells, tissues, and organs.

Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

Vascarta Inc.
Vascarta Inc.

Vascarta Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that has developed a patented topical/transdermal delivery platform aimed at improving the bioavailability of drugs, particularly curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The company focuses on addressing unmet medical needs through innovative formulations that enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Stream Biomedical, Inc.
Stream Biomedical, Inc.

Stream Biomedical, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing first-in-class targeted therapeutics for acute neurotrauma and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The company is dedicated to revolutionizing cerebrovascular repair and developing novel solutions for neurotrauma and neurodegeneration, including conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease.

FiteBac Pharma
FiteBac Pharma

FiteBac Technology/FiteBac Pharma's K21 uniquely targets the underlying disease state, given that most diseases involve microbial-associated inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. FiteBac Technology innovations stem from the work of numerous international academic research scientists. FiteBac Pharma K21 is the blockbuster antimicrobial small molecule designed to modulate biological, immunological, and metabolic systems for treating a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This patented drug substance has demonstrated the ability to safely eliminate bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, enhance innate immunity, induce mitophagy while improving mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, accelerate wound healing, and even promote the development of zebrafish and chickens, leading to increased adult mass. Rigorous research from Dr. Bhupesh Prusty's laboratory and Dr Christopher Rongo's laboratory is focused on various aspects of mitochondrial remodeling and reprograming, as well as mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling with K21.

Humanetics Corporation
Humanetics Corporation

Humanetics Corporation is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing and commercializing products to enhance human health and wellbeing. Founded in 1988, the company specializes in radiation modulators, adjunctive oncology therapies, and pulmonary protective therapies, particularly for COVID-19. Humanetics is known for its lead drug candidate, BIO 300, which is being developed as a radioprotectant for military and civilian use, as well as a treatment to improve outcomes in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. The company is actively engaged in research programs for non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancers.

VirTech Bio
VirTech Bio

VirTech Bio is an early-stage biotechnology company based in Natick, Massachusetts, focused on developing a human-derived hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) for use as a temporary blood substitute in trauma and transplantation. The company leverages expertise in hemoglobin polymerization to address critical needs in emergency medicine and organ preservation, with a pipeline also targeting veterinary and research applications. Process innovations allow scalable and contract-based manufacturing, supported by significant non-dilutive funding from the US Department of Defense and private investment.

MTF Biologics
MTF Biologics

MTF Biologics is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to saving and healing lives by honoring the gift of tissue donation. They process tissue grafts from human donors for a wide range of clinical applications, positively impacting lives globally. MTF Biologics integrates service, science, and advocacy to improve healthcare and wellbeing, while also supporting research and innovation in tissue transplantation.

Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General)
Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General)

Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General) is a world-renowned academic medical center and the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Mass General is recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care, innovative research, and comprehensive educational opportunities. The hospital operates the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, fostering collaboration among leading clinicians and scientists to bridge innovation science with state-of-the-art clinical medicine. Mass General for Children (MGfC) is a leader in pediatric care, offering more than 50 medical specialties and 15 surgical services, and is home to the only proton beam facility in New England. The hospital is dedicated to serving local and global communities, training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and advancing medical knowledge through groundbreaking research, multidisciplinary care, and a strong commitment to family-centered and equitable healthcare.

Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing pathogen-specific bacteriophage therapeutics to combat antibiotic-resistant and difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. With a focus on addressing the global antibiotic resistance crisis, Armata leverages its proprietary bacteriophage-based technology to develop high-impact, best-in-class phage therapeutics. The company operates from a 56,000 square foot facility in Los Angeles, California, equipped for phage product development from bench to clinic. Armata's team of microbiologists and scientists work on discovering natural phages and enhancing them through synthetic biology and engineering to create tailored drug products for clinical trials.

American Burn Association (ABA)
American Burn Association (ABA)

The American Burn Association (ABA) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injury. With over 3,000 members worldwide, ABA focuses on promoting and supporting burn-related care, prevention, education, and research. The association brings together professionals from various disciplines to advance quality care, advocate for prevention, provide educational resources, and foster research in the field of burn injuries. ABA is also recognized for its leadership in advocacy, professional development, and the establishment of best practices and guidelines for burn care. The ABA regularly hosts conferences, develops clinical guidelines, and partners with organizations to raise awareness and improve outcomes for burn survivors.

Pulsara
Pulsara

Pulsara is a purpose-driven healthcare technology company focused on improving the lives of patients and caregivers through innovative, real-time communication and collaboration. Their telehealth platform connects clinicians, EMS, hospitals, and emergency management teams on a single patient channel, enabling dynamic, scalable, and secure care coordination for any illness or injury. Pulsara's evidence-based solutions are designed to reduce treatment times, lower costs, and enhance experiences for both patients and providers. The company is recognized for its customer-first values, award-winning support, and commitment to privacy, security, and interoperability.

The University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and community engagement. As a premier public research university, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

SolasCure
SolasCure

SolasCure is dedicated to transforming chronic wound care through innovative therapeutic solutions. The company is at the forefront of developing Aurase Wound Gel, a breakthrough enzymatic debrider designed to return chronic wounds to healing. SolasCure aims to shift the paradigm in wound care by providing high-impact, safe, and effective treatments that address the underlying causes of wounds rather than just managing symptoms. With a strong focus on research and development, SolasCure is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of patients worldwide.

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Arizona State University

ASU Crosscutting Technologies to Enhance Military Medical Readiness and Resilience

Dr. Rachel Cassalia leads MTEC-supported efforts at ASU to shift military health from reactive care to proactive readiness through data-driven prevention.

University of Pittsburgh

Topical Metformin Lotion for Tendinopathy Prevention

University of Pittsburgh study shows topical metformin prevents overuse tendon injury. This work was sponsored through MTEC project 22-02-MPAI-014.

Theradaptive

Theradaptive’s RESTORE Trial Initiation for OsteoAdapt™ DE

Theradaptive launches RESTORE Phase I/II trial of OsteoAdapt™ DE for faster, precision bone healing in craniofacial injuries. MTEC-funded study targets improved recovery for military and civilian patients.

Altec

Autonomous Rehabilitation Device for Improved Recovery in Warfighters

The OSCIR platform—developed by Altec Inc in collaboration with the Naval Health Research Center—is bringing clinical-grade, real-time movement analysis to the front lines. Funded under MTEC-22-02-MPAI

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