Skin
Skin capabilities address acute trauma, burns, chronic wounds, and infection control by combining advanced dressings, biologics, diagnostics, and reconstruction approaches. Focus areas include rapid hemostasis, infection prevention (including biofilms and AMR), accelerated re-epithelialization, and durable barrier restoration for forward and prolonged care.
Technical Challenges
High infection risk in contaminated battlefield wounds, including biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Severe burns and polytrauma requiring rapid coverage, fluid management, and reconstruction in austere settings.
Limited regenerative capacity after large tissue loss—need for scalable dermal substitutes and vascularized constructs.
Delayed evacuation and prolonged field care that complicate wound monitoring, dressing changes, and definitive closure.
Emerging Opportunities
Point-of-injury antimicrobial strategies that are effective against biofilms and MDR organisms without systemic toxicity.
Portable diagnostics and biomarkers for real-time wound status (infection, perfusion, healing trajectory) at point of care.
Off-the-shelf, shelf-stable regenerative products that enable durable coverage and reduce need for immediate surgical reconstruction.
Decision-support tools and telemedicine-integrated wound management workflows for non-specialists in far-forward environments.
Current and Emerging Technologies in Skin
Advanced antimicrobial dressings and topical therapeutics
Next-generation dressings incorporate antimicrobial peptides, silver nanoparticles, antiseptic-releasing matrices, and quorum-sensing inhibitors to reduce bioburden and disrupt biofilms in contaminated wounds.
Biologic and cell-based regenerative therapies
Engineered skin substitutes, acellular matrices, stem-cell therapies, and growth-factor delivery systems promote angiogenesis and re-epithelialization for volumetric tissue loss and complex wounds.
Point-of-care diagnostics and imaging
Portable fluorescence imaging, biosensors for inflammatory biomarkers, and rapid molecular assays enable early detection of infection and objective wound-healing metrics in austere settings.
Biomaterials and smart dressings
Responsive hydrogels, oxygenating matrices, and electrically active scaffolds adapt to wound microenvironments to control moisture, deliver therapeutics, and stimulate tissue repair.
Telemedicine and decision-support integration
Wearable sensors, secure imaging transfer, and AI-enabled triage tools support remote wound assessment, longitudinal tracking, and guidance for non-specialist providers in prolonged-field-care scenarios.
Importance to Military Medicine
Combat casualty care
Rapid hemorrhage control, contamination management, and durable wound closure reduce morbidity and mortality from blast and penetrating injuries.
Prolonged and austere care
Shelf-stable, easy-to-use skin therapies and remote diagnostics preserve function when evacuation is delayed and resources are limited.
Force readiness and infection control
Preventing wound-associated infections and AMR preserves troop health, reduces downtime, and maintains operational capability.
Reconstruction and long-term recovery
Advanced reconstruction restores form and function after catastrophic injuries, improving rehabilitation and return-to-duty or civilian reintegration.
Alignment with the MTEC Mission
Accelerates transition of battlefield-relevant skin technologies from research to fielded solutions, matching MTEC's DoD-focused mission.
Supports cross-disciplinary projects (trauma, infectious disease, regenerative medicine) that reflect MTEC’s broad portfolio and coalition model.
Prioritizes scalable, shelf-stable, and deployable solutions for the operational environment—a core DoD requirement MTEC advances through consortia and rapid funding pathways.
Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications
Military: rapid field dressings, point-of-injury antimicrobials, and telemedicine-enabled wound triage for prolonged care.
Civilian: advanced burn and trauma centers, chronic wound management (diabetic ulcers, vascular wounds), and scalable disaster-response kits.
Public health: technologies that limit AMR spread, improve outbreak response, and inform infection-prevention protocols across healthcare settings.
Commercial: wearable wound sensors, consumer wound-care products, and reconstructive biologics with civilian market adoption potential.
Explore MTEC Members with Skin Capabilities
MTEC members bring multidisciplinary expertise—biomaterials, microbiology, trauma surgery, imaging, and regulatory pathways—enabling integrated development from bench to battlefield.
Consortium collaboration accelerates access to DoD testbeds, clinical partners, and rapid contracting mechanisms essential for prototype validation and field evaluations.
Industry and academic members scale manufacturing, navigate regulatory approval, and translate dual-use innovations for both military readiness and civilian healthcare benefit.
Explore member profiles to identify collaborators with capabilities in advanced dressings, biologics, diagnostics, and telemedicine-ready solutions for skin and wound challenges.
144 Members with Skin capabilities.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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) 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.
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 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.
Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.
SanaHeal is dedicated to developing next-generation bioadhesive technologies inspired by nature to solve significant challenges in healthcare. Their innovative solutions are designed to adhere to wet and uneven surfaces, providing rapid and robust adhesion for various medical applications.
SERDA Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative solutions for wound care, particularly in the treatment of burn injuries and chronic ulcers. The company aims to provide fast and effective therapeutic debridement through its proprietary enzymatic product, SN514, which is designed to enhance healing by selectively removing necrotic tissue.
The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to complex societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I3R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.
UTMB is dedicated to supporting research, education, and scholarly endeavors, with a focus on creating the future of healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.
Spartan Medical is a medical solutions company serving VA medical centers, Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, civilian hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers across the United States and internationally. The company specializes in advanced medical devices, surgical solutions, and support services, with a history of adapting to emergent healthcare challenges and logistical demands. Spartan Medical has provided solutions in public health crises, such as COVID-19 mitigation, and delivers comprehensive procurement, logistical, and operational support for healthcare organizations. It operates as a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and is recognized for its significant presence in federal healthcare contracting.
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's leading research and teaching institutions, dedicated to transforming lives through education and research. UQ aims to create a better future by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their chosen careers, while also addressing some of the world's most complex challenges through innovative research.
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