Our project holds the potential to make a profound impact on society by addressing one of the most urgent healthcare challenges: the risk of wound infections in environments with limited access to medical resources. In situations like battlefields, remote communities, impoverished regions, and outdoor settings, untreated wounds can quickly escalate into life-threatening conditions due to a lack of proper care and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

By introducing a first-aid kit equipped with antimicrobial peptides, our project provides a powerful, immediate solution that goes beyond traditional treatments. This not only reduces the risk of severe infections but also alleviates the pressure on healthcare systems by minimizing the need for antibiotics, thereby contributing to the fight against antibiotic resistance. Our solution empowers individuals and communities to handle medical emergencies effectively, even in the most challenging circumstances, ultimately improving health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing overall societal resilience against medical crises.

Through extensive interviews with clinical doctors, military health professionals, and industry experts, we’ve ensured that our solution is not only effective but also adaptable to diverse, high-risk scenarios. This comprehensive and universally applicable approach addresses a critical gap in emergency healthcare, providing timely and trusted support where it's needed most.With the assistance of professionals, our product design has gained significant recognition and trust.

On this page, you will find the efforts and support that HP has provided at each milestone and stage during the project's development.

Documents we used to introduce ourself to the interviewees

We believe our team has the obligation to provide the best, most reliable, sustainable, and user-friendly solutions for society by bridging the information gap between us and the target group.

Reliability: As previously detailed, our project plans to combine antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with medical supplies in the first-aid kit, providing continuous antimicrobial protection and anti-inflammatory effects. This combination reduces the risk of infection and promotes faster wound healing, leveraging the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low target drug resistance, and biocompatibility of AMPs.

Sustainability: The AMPs in our product exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with no known risk of developing antimicrobial resistance, positioning them as outstanding alternatives to antibiotics. This addresses a critical global issue. Furthermore, as natural derivatives, antimicrobial peptides can degrade naturally without harm, enhancing their market applicability with anticipated continuous demand in the future. Moreover, as a product, we must ensure that our product can sustain itself in the market, has market value, and meets demand.

Friendliness: By integrating AMPs into first-aid items, our product caters to various application scenarios, including household, medical, and military use. Our product instructions are provided in multiple languages, complete with graphical illustrations and essential first-aid procedures, offering user-friendly and comprehensive information services.We have also ensured educational equity by conducting different science education programs in elementary, middle, and high schools in various regions to ensure they receive the same social services.

In the process of achieving these three goals, we invited individuals, organizations and companies with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to provide feedback on our project regarding these goals, ensuring that it is truly achievable and meaningful in the real world. In the following interviews, we will label them with the three goals, clearly indicating their contributions in these areas.

To achieve these goals, we have adopted a systematic approach of identifying, analyzing, solving problems, and ultimately learning and improving to overcome any difficulties with the best solutions.

Identify: Through multifaceted research, we have listed all realistic and potential problems we face, achieving a general understanding.

Analyze: Through in-depth discussions and interviews with stakeholders, we developed comprehensive insights into each problem from various perspectives, breaking them into manageable components. Subsequent internal discussions and professional consultations are conducted to determine solutions.

Conclude: We propose and anticipate the most optimal solutions, responding to our dry lab, wet lab, and all supportive team members regarding the selection of antimicrobial substances, product positioning changes, etc.

Learn and Improve: Ultimately, we evaluate the results of our solutions to decide whether they align with our desired direction for further development or whether they should be discontinued, considering their contribution to the integrity of the project.

Injuries are always a source of deep concern, but what makes them particularly challenging is the additional threat of wound infections that may arise. The risk of such infections is notably high due to harsh environments and limited medical resources on battlefields and during expeditions. These infections can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, limb amputation, or death. During the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 15-20% of injured soldiers developed infections, some requiring amputation. Globally, millions die from infections each year, particularly in areas with scarce healthcare. The WHO reports around 11 million deaths from sepsis annually, many linked to wound infections. In the U.S., surgical infections cause numerous complications and deaths. Despite medical advancements, battlefield infections remain a major threat due to bacterial contamination and poor sanitation. In which wound assessment plays a critical role in identifying and preventing infections, as it helps detect early signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, allowing for timely intervention before complications arise.

So how do we solve this? The initial idea might be to use antibiotics. Antibiotics are ubiquitous and widely known for treating bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and for preventing infections after surgery. Names like penicillin, cephalosporins, and amoxicillin are all too familiar to us. However, despite their high effectiveness in treating bacterial infections, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to a global crisis of antibiotic resistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top ten global public health threats. It is estimated that approximately 700,000 people die each year from antibiotic-resistant infections, and this number is expected to increase significantly in the future.

Antibiotics not only kill harmful bacteria but also disrupt the body's beneficial microbiome, potentially leading to digestive issues, diarrhea, secondary infections, and long-term health problems. Moreover, the overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of "superbugs" like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which are resistant to multiple antibiotics, complicating treatment, prolonging hospital stays, and increasing healthcare costs. The overuse of antibiotics also negatively impacts the environment, as agricultural and industrial residues spread through wastewater, exacerbating the problem of resistance. Therefore, we seek to solve this series of issues.

Therefore, we seek to solve this series of issues by incorporating bioengineered antimicrobial substances into wound care products.

When we initially defined our product, our first idea was to integrate antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) into existing surgical sutures. Our project design involves the microbial production of AMPs and the attachment of these antimicrobial materials, such as incorporating one type of AMP, the human neutrophil peptides (HNP), into collagen sutures. We developed a release mechanism for these antimicrobial proteins attached to the sutures within the wound, providing long-lasting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects until the wound heals. The sutures and AMPs, with high biocompatibility, would then gradually degrade within the patient's body without causing any side effects. Beyond wartime scenarios, our product could also be utilized in disaster relief, rescue operations in remote areas, and standard medical treatments.

Due to the special nature of suture products, their primary stakeholders and end consumers are patients; however, the purchasers are doctors. Patients are not familiar with suture products and lack the choice in selection, as doctors decide which sutures to use. Additionally, doctors have a strong preference for suture brands based on their surgical habits and background experience. Therefore, we plan to first invite doctors to discuss the value of our products, rather than focusing on the primary stakeholders, the patients.

First, as a group of high school students, we recognized our limited understanding of the operating room. Consequently, we invited Dr. Huang to explain the common types of sutures and suturing methods used in hospitals. We learned that the same suture materials are used for wounds in various locations, with the primary difference being the thickness of the suture. Currently, the most commonly used absorbable suture among doctors is the Vicryl suture, which is composed of 90% glycolic acid and 10% L-lactic acid copolymer, featuring an antibacterial triclosan coating.

Reliability

Similar to existing market offerings like antimicrobial Vicryl sutures, we aim to address postoperative infections while replacing Vicryl sutures. Antimicrobial Vicryl sutures typically contain triclosan, an antibacterial agent that raises concerns about promoting antibiotic resistance at concentrations below 1 mg/L, particularly increasing resistance in E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Annually, approximately 1.1 × 10^5 to 4.2 × 10^5 kg of triclosan enters the environment through U.S. wastewater treatment plants, accumulating in soil and biosolids due to its high lipophilicity. Triclosan levels in treated soil range from 0.562 to 3.52 nmol/kg, posing risks to the food chain and being linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly in pregnant women, as it acts as an endocrine disruptor. Additionally, triclosan contaminates aquatic environments, causing reproductive and developmental toxicity in aquatic organisms. Recent reports have also highlighted triclosan's potential toxicity to humans, leading us to conclude that it is not a suitable alternative to antibiotics.

Dr. Li's insights reshaped our understanding of infection prevention, revealing that focusing solely on sutures limits the potential of our product. His advice encouraged us to explore extending antibacterial mechanisms to other medical materials, such as hydrogels or dressings, to tackle a wider variety of injuries.

Reliability

This prompted us to reflect on whether different patients and surgical sites might have specific needs. For example, on the battlefield, injured individuals may need to be quickly transferred, raising the question of whether movement could exacerbate wounds and increase the risk of infection. We also thought of children, whose naturally active and playful nature might lead to accidental tearing of wounds during vigorous activity. This led us to interview Dr. Yang, a pediatrician.

Reliability

We understand that the choice of sutures is closely related to their characteristics, including material, thickness, structure, and absorption. The aesthetic department is particularly sensitive to these factors, as customers have varying needs and are well-informed about the selection and features of sutures. Therefore, we consulted Dr. Yang, an aesthetic physician.

Reliability

As we continued our research on sutures with antimicrobial properties, we noticed that many companies have also developed absorbable sutures. This led us to consider interviewing manufacturers of absorbable medical products to gain deeper insights into the markets for absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, understanding which option is more promising and aligns better with the issues we aim to address. We interviewed JuYuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a company that produces collagen fillers, freeze-dried sponges, and other Class II medical devices for non-chronic wound care.

Reliability & Sustainability

Besides the interviews, we also conducted online surveys to deep more into what does the consumer thinks. The purpose of this questionnaire survey is to understand the experience and feelings of the respondents about postoperative wound suture, as well as their cognition of doctor-patient relationship and medical knowledge. Through the analysis of the questionnaire results, it can reveal the attitude and behavior habits of the respondents when facing the wound suture and medical service, and provide a reference for further improving the quality of medical service. The survey included respondents' concerns about wound suture, response measures, doctor-patient communication, reasons for tension between doctors and patients, and their understanding of medical devices and emergency response capabilities. Through this survey, we have a more in-depth understanding of respondents' views on medical related issues, and provide reference suggestions for improving the quality of medical services and promoting doctor-patient communication.

However, feedback from various experts has raised concerns:

So how can we save those who lose their lives to infections?
(Completely Fictional Short Story)
Coincidentally, our team member Henry accidentally cut himself on a glass slide while performing SDS-PAGE. He hurried to grab the first-aid kit in the lab.
Henry: "Oh no, am I going to get a bacterial infection?"
Steven reassured him, "Haha, the E. coli you were working with is now just a bunch of proteins, so you don’t have to worry!"
Smart Hugo immediately suggested, "We could develop an antibacterial first-aid kit! When I participated in the iGEM project two years ago, we worked on cellulose binding domains. We could just replace the collagen binding domain with CBM3 since cellulose is a material for making bandages."
Sara chimed in, "No need to switch binding domains; collagen can also be used to make hydrogel dressings!" She quickly pulled out a WeChat article she had saved recently.
Would it be more effective to pivot towards developing a first-aid kit with more comprehensive medical devices instead?

Reliability, Sustainability, & Friendliness

Additionally, we participated in The 8th Southern China Regional Meeting, where teams from across the country gathered at Shenzhen University for the iGEM competition. As a high school group, this experience broadened our perspectives and brought attention to some issues with our product. After completing our presentation, during the question and answer session, we were asked whether we knew if SUMO enzymes could operate outside of cells. Upon conducting further research, we found that SUMO enzymes are indeed localized within the cell nucleus, indicating a flaw in our design. Consequently, after our discussions, we decided to abandon the use of endogenous SUMO enzymes and instead focus on expressing our own SUMO enzymes, which we will incorporate into our product in a dried form.

We then launched a new brainstorming session, shifting our focus to the first-aid kit. We envisioned including hemostatic bandages, collagen dressings that promote wound healing, chitosan dressings with inherent antibacterial properties, and trehalose dressings that prevent secondary damage by not adhering to the wound. These items share a common characteristic: through corresponding material binding domains, they can fuse with defensins and utilize SUMO enzymes for the cutting and release of defensins to exert antibacterial action.

Through our research, we identified various substrates, including collagen, alginate, chitosan in hydrogel form, cellulose and fibroin, in fibrin form, where defensins can be effectively integrated through binding domains. Among these, silk fibroin—derived from spider silk—can serve as the outer packaging for the first-aid kit due to its lightweight, strong, and waterproof properties, making it suitable for special scenarios such as battlefields and disaster areas.

Compared to surgical sutures, a first-aid kit offers a broader range of medical applications for our product. These kits and medical devices are essential for clinical doctors, battlefield medical units, outdoor adventurers, and those in remote areas. When injuries occur, one can immediately use antibacterial gauze to stop bleeding, then apply collagen dressings to promote healing, and if an infection has already developed, chitosan dressings can be utilized. The items typically included in first-aid kits are designed for treating external injuries, aligning perfectly with our intended use cases. Thus, we reconsidered our strategy and decided to focus on integrating antimicrobial peptides into the first-aid kit to address a wider range of needs.

Further thoughts: The first-aid kit is our pathway to expanding our product into diverse application scenarios, but the medical devices and supplies within it can also be broadly and sustainably utilized in hospitals and clinics, which represent more stable customer bases. AMPs could additionally be integrated with hygiene products such as pads, tampons, and bandages to create supplementary product lines.

The global first aid kit market size was valued at USD 5.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to USD 8.2 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 8%. The North American market is $3.4 billion, Europe is $1.9 billion, and Asia is the fastest-growing, especially China and India, with a compound growth rate of more than 10% over the next five years.

In 2022, the size of China's first aid kit market was 25 billion yuan, and it is expected to reach 60 billion yuan in 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 15%.

Hospitals and clinics account for 45% of the market, outdoor activities account for 20%, public places such as schools and shopping malls account for 15%, home backup accounts for 10%, and other institutions (such as the military, fire departments) account for 10%.

In 2020, the size of China's first aid kit market was 4.5 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12%, and it is expected to exceed 7 billion yuan in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%. Hospitals and medical institutions are the main demanders of first aid kit, with more than 12,000 public hospitals across the country, and each hospital consumes about 500 sets of first-aid kits per year, worth about 30,000 yuan. In 2021, the sales of home first aid kits increased by 30%, and online sales exceeded 800 million yuan. Enterprises and institutions have purchased about 1 million sets of first-aid kits, with a total value of 300 million yuan.

In the future, the Chinese market will continue to grow and is expected to reach RMB 6.2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 6.3%. Drivers include an ageing population, which will reach 300 million by 2030, accounting for more than 20% of the total population, over 65 years old, driving demand for emergency medical services.

Through our market research, we've identified a compelling product concept that holds significant commercial value and the potential to benefit humanity. Our ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on the world. However, to effectively translate our innovative ideas into practical applications, we recognize the need for a deeper understanding of harsh environments. To achieve this, we are committed to engaging with professionals who operate in these challenging conditions, gathering insights that will guide our development process and ensure our solutions are both effective and relevant. By collaborating with these individuals, we aspire to create products that truly address the needs of those facing adversity, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for all.

Sustainability&Friendliness

Mr. Dawa is an experienced Tibetan doctor, born and raised in the remote areas of Tibet. Later, he moved to Shenzhen for work. Not only has he accumulated a wealth of experience in the medical environment of Tibet, but he has also actively participated in various public welfare medical activities in Tibet, especially those serving the local nomadic population. As a doctor committed to improving medical conditions in remote areas, Dawa has returned to Tibet many times to help organize medical support teams, providing assistance to herdsmen and villagers who have limited access to medical services.

In 2005, Dawa and his friends encountered an emergency during a hiking trip in Tibet. His friend unfortunately slipped and sustained a serious head injury, with blood flowing profusely. Although Dawa carried some basic medical supplies with him, he quickly realized that these items were insufficient to handle such a severe open wound. They had no choice but to spend several hours trekking back to the village, but the village's medical facilities were very limited and could only provide basic bandaging services. Ultimately, they had to drive a long and difficult journey to reach the county hospital for professional treatment. This experience deeply made Dawa realize the lack of medical facilities in remote areas of Tibet and the high risk of wound infection that urgently needs to be addressed.

Thus, when the team introduced the concept of their antimicrobial first aid kit, Dawa immediately expressed great interest. This kit not only includes basic wound care and bleWhen the team introduced the concept of an antibacterial first aid kit to Dawa, he immediately showed great interest. Dawa pointed out that such a first aid kit would be very practical not only for hikers like him but also for effectively addressing emergency situations encountered by herdsmen who are far from medical facilities. He particularly emphasized that an antibacterial first aid kit must have two key functions: first, the ability to stop bleeding quickly; and second, to provide long-term antibacterial protection to prevent wound infections before reaching a hospital. For herdsmen, such a first aid kit could significantly reduce the risk of infection and other complications due to delays in medical treatmenteding control items but also incorporates antimicrobial substances that can effectively prevent infections in outdoor environments. Dawa believes that for tourists and mountaineers, such a first aid kit could provide a reliable and convenient tool for treating wounds, especially in emergencies like the one his friend faced. Such a kit could significantly reduce the time needed to handle injuries and lower the risk of infection.

For local herders in Tibet, this first aid kit could be equally valuable. Dawa explained that many herders, due to their nomadic lifestyle, often cannot reach medical facilities in time. If they had access to such a portable first aid kit in their daily lives, they could perform initial treatment on injuries sustained in the wild. The antimicrobial gauze and bandages in the kit would not only help stop bleeding but also provide long-term antibacterial protection, reducing the risk of infection—especially in situations where it might take them several days to reach a hospital.

Dawa also suggested that the first aid kit should include multilingual instructions, including Tibetan, and use illustrations to explain how to use each item. He explained that many herders in Tibet cannot read Chinese characters, so if the instructions were only in Chinese, they might have trouble using the kit properly. Moreover, due to significant dialectal differences in Tibetan across regions, combining clear visual guides with simple instructions would ensure that herders, even in the absence of a common language, could correctly use the kit for self-rescue.

From Dawa’s perspective, the antimicrobial first aid kit is not just a valuable addition for mountaineers but could also provide a new solution for healthcare and self-rescue in remote areas of Tibet. He specifically mentioned that such a product could become a lifeline in critical situations, especially in regions far from medical facilities and with difficult transportation conditions. For herders, the kit could play a crucial role in their daily herding activities, while for tourists like him who frequently trek in Tibet, it would undoubtedly offer both protection and peace of mind.

After completing the multilingual instruction manual for the first aid kit, we realized that to truly enhance local awareness of first aid, focusing solely on educating adults and herders would not be enough. Through a deep discussion with an education professional, we reached a consensus: the best time to change a person’s health awareness and behavior is from the primary school stage. Thus, we decided to integrate the first aid kit project with education initiatives in the Tibetan region, aiming to not only raise awareness of first aid but also provide comprehensive health education.

We subsequently contacted the head of the Tibetan Red Cross and received their support and advice. Based on their extensive experience in health education, we set a new goal: in addition to providing training on the use of the first aid kits for nomads and villagers, we plan to go deeper into local schools and offer first aid education to primary school students. More information could be found in the relevant section in our education page

This collaborative initiative aims to introduce proper wound care, the correct use of the items in the first aid kit, and, most importantly, how to protect oneself or assist others in emergencies through lectures and hands-on practice sessions. This is not just about teaching the use of first aid kits but also about cultivating basic health awareness in children. Through these series of courses, we hope to help children establish a solid foundation in basic medical and first aid knowledge from a young age.

In the future, we plan to launch multiple series of classroom teaching projects, covering essential skills such as basic wound management, infection prevention, wound cleaning, and how to respond to emergencies. The courses will be presented in an engaging and fun manner, using videos, illustrations, and interactive activities to ensure that children can easily understand and master these concepts. Additionally, to better align with the local cultural background, we will collaborate with Tibetan language teachers to translate all course materials into Tibetan and incorporate local customs and traditions, making it easier for the children to accept and engage with the content.

We firmly believe that by implementing such educational programs at the primary school level, we can fundamentally change the health and safety awareness of future generations in Tibet. Not only will children learn first aid skills, but they will also be able to share this knowledge with their families, creating a long-term, intergenerational improvement in health awareness. We hope that this initiative will bring broader medical progress and health security to the Tibetan region.

From a global perspective, we recognize that the challenges in remote areas are severe and diverse. To gain further insights, we consulted Dr. Liu, who assisted in Guinea, Africa, this year and has previous experience in Tibet.

Sustainability&Friendliness

In China, we recognize that in addition to Western medicine, there are practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, and their practices and treatment methods pique our curiosity regarding our products. Dr. Li, a practitioner who has established a library of Chinese medicine, is passionate about extreme sports such as cross-country racing and ice climbing.

Sustainability&Friendliness

Additionally, as we explored various application scenarios, we reached out to many doctors working in different fields. We were honored to speak with Dr. Xie, who works in a particularly challenging environment, Antartica.

As a team focused on battlefield applications, we recognized the sensitivity of military matters. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to consult with a director and combat hero from a military hospital, Dr.Ren, who shared valuable insights with us.

Reliability&Sustainability

He also noted that although the properties of silk could meet our specialized needs, the packaging itself does not need to possess antibacterial qualities. Consequently, we decided against using fibroin as the binding domain.

To ensure our interviewees feel more at ease, we have also provided an interview activity plan and a student verification letter for the team members to confirm that this interview is for non-commercial purposes and will not involve any national military information.

In addition to individual consultations, we sought insights from organizations with robust teams and extensive experience. We connected with the Shenzhen Public Emergency Team, which has an 11-year history and real combat experience in challenging environments such as mountains and high altitudes.

Sustainability&Friendliness

The story of the Shenzhen Volunteer Rescue Team began with the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. At that time, immediate disaster relief efforts were urgently needed, and a group of volunteers quickly organized themselves, gradually evolving into today’s Shenzhen Volunteer Rescue Team. This team is composed entirely of volunteers, forming a civilian rescue force dedicated to helping those in distress. They have not only made a name for themselves in various domestic disaster relief efforts but have also participated in international missions in countries like Iran and Turkey. Through our conversation with them, we learned that although the foundation of the team is based on volunteer spirit, their professionalism and dedication are not to be underestimated. The rescue team has now grown to 680 members, divided into five main departments and six specialized action groups. Over the years, their presence has been felt globally, from the forests of Yunnan to the Ludian Earthquake, and even in the quake-hit areas of Turkey, with the Shenzhen Volunteer Rescue Team always at the forefront.

During rescue missions, the complex and ever-changing environments often mean different needs, especially when it comes to the design of first aid kits. For these rescuers, water rescue presents particularly daunting challenges. The team members repeatedly mentioned that water rescue not only involves dealing with the uncertainties of the water itself but also managing the rapid loss of body heat in cold conditions. Thus, the first aid kit must have waterproof capabilities, making this feature essential. The contents of the kit must not only be moisture-resistant but also capable of maintaining the victim’s body temperature and energy levels. Items such as heat packs, thermal blankets, and glucose can help rescuers keep casualties physically stable in low-temperature environments and prevent hypothermia.

In the case of wilderness rescue, though the environment differs, the demands on the first aid kit are equally challenging. In the wild, rescuers frequently deal with both external and internal injuries, with external injuries occurring particularly often. There are new injury cases almost every week, leaving the rescuers constantly on the move. To address such situations, the first aid kit must be equipped with enough cleaning and disinfecting supplies, such as saline solution, iodine, and bandages. This is not only to stop the bleeding at the earliest moment but, more importantly, to prevent wound infections. In remote areas with poor medical facilities, once an infection sets in, the situation can quickly deteriorate.

The team’s experiences not only provide guidance on the contents of a first aid kit but also help us realize the importance of the kit’s layout. In emergencies, time is of the essence, and the items in the first aid kit must be arranged in an orderly manner so that rescuers can quickly find what they need. The rescue team emphasized that an excellent first aid kit should have a standardized layout to ensure that in the chaos of a rescue scene, each item can be located quickly, reducing the time wasted searching for supplies. This is especially critical in extreme environments like water or wilderness rescues, where time often determines the life or death of the injured.

In addition to these detailed considerations, the exterior design of the first aid kit is also an important factor to take into account. Whether for water or wilderness rescues, the rescue bag must withstand harsh environmental conditions. It should not only be waterproof but also dustproof, impact-resistant, and even provide some cushioning to cope with potential collisions or falls. Portability is another crucial aspect. Rescuers often need to traverse rugged terrains for extended periods, so the kit must be lightweight to minimize the burden on them.

During the interview, we also learned that the Shenzhen Volunteer Rescue Team places great emphasis on personal protective equipment when selecting a first aid kit. Items such as gloves, ice packs, and splints are essential for handling unexpected situations. When dealing with fractures or sprains, for example, ice packs and splints can help stabilize the injured person and reduce pain.

We also discussed the issue of medication configuration in the first aid kit. Since most of the rescue team members do not have a medical background, they emphasized that the medication in the first aid kit should be simple and effective, avoiding overly complex drugs. After all, their focus is on emergency response rather than deep medical treatment. The team pointed out that currently, commonly used antimicrobial drugs on the market, such as antimicrobial peptides, still face optimization challenges in practical applications. Their widespread use in first aid kits is constrained by certain technical and cost issues.

Overall, through our in-depth discussions with the Shenzhen Volunteer Rescue Team, we gained a clearer understanding of the different needs for first aid kits in various scenarios. From water rescues to wilderness emergency responses, the design of first aid kits must fully consider the diversity and complexity of the environment. In terms of waterproofing, rational layout, and portability, the valuable experiences shared by the Shenzhen Volunteer Rescue Team provided us with many insightful suggestions. These feedbacks not only helped us optimize the design of our first aid kits but also enabled us to better serve those rescue heroes who battle in extreme environments.

Thus, our wet lab attempted to increase yield by using a yeast expression system and adding solubility tags.

Moreover, as a rescue team, they emphasized the importance of convenience, which extends to the layout of the first-aid kit and the innovative packaging of our products. This focus is intended to minimize operation time. For the items we integrate with our antimicrobial peptides, we will design special packaging to enhance usability and ensure that they can be deployed quickly.Therefore, we start to think about the form of our product.

Our first design idea was that since SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier) enzyme preserves best in dry powder form, we could design a device that allows the user to mix water, the SUMO enzyme, and the dressing together, shake it well, and wait for the hydrogel to solidify before use.

To gain insight into the antimicrobial additives and fabric market, we have specifically invited Yuanxing BioTech, a company that specializes in antimicrobial additives using silver ions. Their product is very similar to ours, even the target group and direction are the same, but with a different antibacterial product.

Reliability

Furthermore, insights from Collo Biotechnology Co., Ltd. highlighted current industry trends and underscored the importance of cost-effectiveness in our design. They are a company that produces first-aid kits, and there are scores of ten types of their first-aid kits.

Reliability&Friendliness

Coro saw that we had problems with cost and yield, but because we had already achieved critical results by this time, they accepted the feasibility of the experimental design we had discussed earlier.

Collectively, investigations and interviews with relevant individuals have propelled us toward a more refined and sophisticated design. We discovered that these individuals are often unable to receive timely and effective care. In response to this issue, our first-aid kit is the best fit, which would not only help treat infected wounds but also reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. We called it the CURAPACK.

After completing the experiments and confirming the product's effectiveness, we created a simulated final product image combining the hydrogel with our antimicrobial substance. As a direct user and someone who has lived in multiple regions, we felt that Mr. Dawa provided the most direct and insightful response. We presented him with the product image.

He mentioned that due to the complex procedure and the many uncertainties on-site, the product wasn't ideal. After discussing with our product team, we decided to fuse the binding domain and the SUMO enzyme together, then fix it onto the dressing. This adjustment eliminates the need for such a complicated packaging design, requiring only water to be poured onto the dressing before use. The experimental results also provided positive feedback on this modification.

After receiving feedback from our interviews, we shared it with the wet lab team. Ultimately, we decided to test more binding domains to incorporate additional first aid materials, including collagen, cellulose, alginate and chitosan. Collagen promotes wound healing, cellulose serves as a basic hemostatic agent, alginate provides suitable Ph and temperature conditions conducive to wound healing and chitosan can be used for severely infected wounds to further enhance the antimicrobial effect. These four materials perfectly meet our different needs at the injury site.

Like the other three binding domains, they were able to effectively bind the fusion proteins to their material after multiple washes. The full results can be viewed here.