Pavaka Wound Care and Ohio State Team Up to Tackle Multidrug-Resistant Infections with Electroceutical Tech

Pavaka Wound Care, LLC, in collaboration with The Ohio State University is at the forefront of a revolution in wound care with cutting-edge electroceutical wound dressing. The Ohio State University patented technology platform uses electrical field to combat infections, including those involving drug-resistant bacteria and biofilms, offering a groundbreaking, non-drug approach to improving healing outcomes for chronic and acute wounds.

“With this technology, we’re addressing a critical unmet need in wound care,” said Brent Toto, CEO and co-founder of Pavaka Wound Care, LLC. “This partnership allows us to transform a decade of groundbreaking research into a solution that can change lives, while also contributing to Ohio’s growing biotechnology sector.”

Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as one of the most pressing global health challenges, responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths annually. The World Health Organization warns that AMR could surpass cancer as a leading cause of death by 2050 without immediate action. In addition to health implications, AMR also poses national security concerns, with the Department of Defense highlighting its potential to impact military readiness.

The Ohio State University-developed technology addresses this crisis by targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilms—major barriers to effective wound healing. The interdisciplinary research team, led by Dr. Shaurya Prakash (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), included Dr. Daniel Wozniak (Microbial Infection and Immunity), Dr. Vish Subramaniam (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), Dr. Traci Wilgus (Pathology), and Dr. Paul Stoodley (Orthopedics and Microbial Infection and Immunity). Their work was supported by a team of dedicated students and staff who contributed to the scientific and technological breakthroughs.

Real-World Impact and Future Potential

This electroceutical technology has already demonstrated life-changing potential. In 2019, during laboratory studies, a four-year-old dog named Daisy recovered from a chronic wound using a prototype of the dressing. A human safety clinical trail was also successful and a robust blinded clinical study is in development. 

“We’re proud to see our research lead to innovations that directly improve patient care,” said Dr. Paco Herson, associate vice president for Health Sciences Innovation  in the Enterprise for Research Innovation and Knowledge at Ohio State. “By partnering with Pavaka Wound Care, we’re excited to see this technology transition from the lab to helping individuals who need it most."

Pavaka Wound Care, LLC is committed to further research and development and manufacturing of the eletroceutical  wound dressing in Ohio. The technology platform will have applications beyond bacteria to fungus and virus-related solutions. In addition to its applications in human healthcare, the company plans to expand into the veterinary and military health market, further broadening its impact.

Contact: Brent Toto, CEO and co-founder