Innovative Burn Bandage Project Led by University of Akron Students Offers Hope for Burn Victims
AKRON, Ohio — Each year, nearly half a million people in the U.S. seek treatment for burns, with 45,000 requiring hospitalization, according to the American Burn Association. For many, the recovery process is excruciating, but a team of University of Akron biomedical engineering students is working to change that. Their innovative burn bandage project is not just a academic endeavor—it’s deeply personal for one of its creators.
Hailey Essinger, a fifth-year student, knows firsthand the pain and challenges burn victims face. Two years ago, she suffered burns on over 30% of her body in an industrial accident. “The pain was extremely intense,” Essinger recalled. “They had to remove my dressings every day and scrub the wounds. No amount of pain medication could fully dull the agony.”
Her experience inspired her to create a better solution for burn care. Now, Essinger is collaborating with fellow students Matthew Flaker and Andrew Martin to design a versatile, efficient bandage that could revolutionize the healing process for burn victims.
“Our goal is to create a bandage that slips less, pulls on the skin less, and is easier to apply,” Essinger explained. Current burn dressings often fall short of industry standards, causing discomfort and complicating recovery. The team’s modular design allows for customizable bandages tailored to specific injuries, whether it’s an arm, leg, or torso.
For Martin, the project holds personal significance as well. His uncle suffered chemical burns, motivating him to join Essinger’s team. “I wanted to work on something meaningful,” said Martin, who initially considered medical school but found his calling in engineering. “I like bringing value to both the patient and the clinician.”
Flaker, meanwhile, focuses on material selection and project management. “It’s exciting to be part of a team that’s addressing a real problem,” he said. “Current bandages are difficult for clinicians to apply and even harder for patients or caregivers at home. This product has the potential to make a huge difference.”
Their efforts have already garnered recognition. The team secured second place in the Northeast Ohio Medical University Bench to Bedside product design competition and first place in the University of Akron’s biomedical department design day.
Despite graduating in May, Essinger, Flaker, and Martin plan to continue refining their prototype. “We’re not stopping here,” Essinger said. “After graduation, we hope to improve the design further so patients can have the best possible healing and recovery experience.”
While the bandages are primarily designed for burn victims, the students note that they could also be adapted for other skin injuries or conditions. Their work represents a promising step forward in burn care, offering hope for thousands of patients nationwide.
— Reported by Nexio News
