V. Baranauskas
MacroVation LLC,
United States
Keywords: biofoam, biotechnology, nonlethal weaponry, sustainable, spray deposition weaponry, rapidly expanding foam, webslinger
Summary:
Development and Optimization of High-Strength, Biodegradable Biofoams to revolutionize Non-Lethal Incapacitation Applications MacroVation, supported by USMC SBIR funding, has developed a groundbreaking, high-strength biodegradable biofoam technology for safe and effective non-lethal incapacitation, addressing critical needs for modern defense and security applications. The demand for non-lethal, reliable incapacitation tools is increasing as military and law enforcement agencies seek safer alternatives to traditional methods, minimizing risk to both operators and targets. MacroVation’s innovative technology features high-strength, biodegradable biofoams created using proprietary and industrially scalable polycondensation synthesis methods. These processes ensure production yields exceeding 95%, with a direct waste stream composed solely of water and inert salts, making the manufacturing process inherently eco-friendly, low-cost, and sustainable. MacroVation’s Phase I efforts focused on the design, synthesis, and empirical optimization of these biofoams. The materials are characterized by their nontoxic composition - passed USP 87 test, promising tensile strength at 859 psi, and interconnected macroporous architecture, which significantly minimizes suffocation risks. MacroVation successfully tailored the bulk and surface macroporosity of the foams which resulted in a highly uniform open-cellular network comprising more than 80% interconnected pores with consistent macropore diameters. Macroscopic through-thickness air channels were also incorporated to enhance breathability and ensure the safety of the biofoams during field use. The iterative refinement of expansion chemistries enabled precise control over the foam morphology, leading to improved mechanical toughness, adhesion, tack, and predictable expansion/hardening rates. These optimizations ensure the biofoams maintain their integrity under field conditions while meeting critical performance requirements. Phase II will focus on optimizing foam performance under extreme conditions, enhancing deployment mechanisms for field scenarios, and fine-tuning chemistries to balance rapid expansion with long-term stability. Focus areas include optimizing cellular architecture, mechanical performance, and expansion kinetics to maximize safety, reliability, and scalability. These advancements will enable the biofoams to meet operational constraints and further de-risk the transition to industrial manufacturing and Phase III commercialization. By combining eco-friendly manufacturing, scalability, and advanced performance, MacroVation's biodegradable biofoam technology represents a transformative step in non-lethal incapacitation. This innovation not only addresses critical defense and security needs but also aligns with global sustainability goals and ensuring safer and more responsible solutions for modern operational challenges.