Hadiya Malik

Ultrasound coupling technology is pivotal to ensuring high-quality diagnostic imaging, yet conventional water-based gels face persistent challenges, including acoustic impedance mismatch, air-bubble formation, dehydration, messiness, and cross-contamination risks. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolution, materials science, and clinical performance of ultrasound gel pads, an advanced alternative engineered for superior acoustic transmission, hygiene, and patient comfort. Historical progression from early coupling agents to modern polymeric and hydrogel-based pads is traced, highlighting breakthroughs such as bilayer hydrogels, nanocomposite reinforcements, metamaterial-inspired designs, and patient-specific 3D-printed pads. Comparative evaluations demonstrate that gel pads, particularly those integrating nanotechnology, rival but often outperform traditional gels in transmission efficiency, near-field resolution, and adaptability to complex anatomical surfaces, while offering reusability and reduced environmental impact. For instance, solid gel pads achieved 92.3% stone disintegration, compared with 45.5% for semi-liquid gel, in ESWL phantom studies (p < 0.001). Materials, including polyacrylamide, silicone, and advanced hydrogels, are analyzed for mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and sustainability, with emphasis on biodegradable and locally sourced alternatives. Manufacturing innovations ranging from continuous casting to additive manufacturing enable customization, functional integration, and scalable production, although cost, supply chain stability, and regulatory compliance remain critical barriers. By uniting advances in materials engineering, nanotechnology, and precision manufacturing, ultrasound gel pads have demonstrated strong potential to advance coupling media for diagnostic, therapeutic, and wearable ultrasound applications, enabling higher diagnostic accuracy, streamlined workflows, and patient-centered care across diverse clinical and resource-limited settings.

Vascular grafts have a significant role in the artery replacement, aneurysm repair, and hemodialysis treatments. Synthetic grafts that have been mostly used in the clinic include ePTFE and Dacron; however, their use has been associated with a range of complications that include clot formation, intimal hyperplasia, and infections. Corrugated Biopolymeric grafts are one of the promising options that were introduced in the market due to their relatively higher biocompatibility and mechanical advantages. There is still a need to find the right choice regarding mechanical strength, fluid flow, and effective antimicrobial activity. The given research explores the mechanical response of the physiological pressure in corrugated biopolymeric grafts in order to improve antimicrobial activity. These grafts were manufactured and stimulated with the help of COMSOL Multiphysics ^® 6.2 with an aim to determine the pattern of stress distribution, resistance to pulsatile pressure, and fatigue behavior during dynamic flow. The result was that the corrugated structure showed superior mechanical strength and had better compliance with natural blood vessels, which consequently might improve antimicrobial activity.

Bandages, gauzes, and alcoholic pads have been widely used for wound healing. However, bacterial infection in wounds is still a major problem and needs to be explored. Apart from antibacterial activity, the hydrophilicity of a membrane is also a major characteristic of membranes that should be explored. Upon contact with wound exudates, the hydrophilic membranes absorb water, swell, and liquefy to form a gel over the wound, which enhances autolytic debridement. Keeping this in view, this study aimed to synthesize and optimize a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Gum Tragacanth (GT) membrane having different concentrations of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) loaded with Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and their effect on the hydrophilicity of the membranes. CIP-AuNPs were prepared by the Turkevich method, and then for confirmation FTIR was performed. Membranes with different concentrations of CIP-AuNPs incorporated in PVA/GT and analyzed for their hydrophilicity. A membrane swelling ratio test as well as contact angle analysis were performed. Through this study, it was concluded that hydrophilic membrane of PVA/GT having a 5% concentration of CIP-AuNPs can be used as a wound healing material.