Editing Biofoam

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.

The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.

Latest revision Your text
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
[[File:BiofoamCanister.png|100px|thumb|A biofoam canister.]]
[[File:Biofoam 02.png|thumb|250px|Biofoam being applied]]
'''Biofoam''' (short for '''biomedical foam''')<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''pages 66-67'' (Google Play edition)</ref><ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/biofoam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Biofoam'']</ref> is a self-sealing, space-filling coagulant and an antimicrobial, tissue-regenerative foam polymer used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] as a form of medical first aid. This foam keeps damaged organs in place and helps stop bleeding and hemorrhaging. The medicinal compound is morphophetamine in a polyethyltriphosphate liquid medium dispensed with nitrous oxide. When applied, the polyethyltriphosphate and nitrous oxide mix to create a foaming effect that can encapsulate, disinfect, and numb wounds.{{Ref/Novel|Id=TRP5|TRP|Chapter=5}} Within the [[Unified Earth Government]], biofoam is an [[Wikipedia:Over-the-counter|OTC-legal product]] and can be purchased legally "over-the-counter."{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
'''Biofoam''' (short for '''biomedical foam''')<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''pages 66-67'' (Google Play edition)</ref><ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/biofoam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Biofoam'']</ref> is a self-sealing, space-filling coagulant and an antimicrobial, tissue-regenerative foam polymer used by the [[United Nations Space Command]] as a form of medical first aid. This foam keeps damaged organs in place and helps stop bleeding and hemorrhaging. The medicinal compound is morphophetamine in a polyethyltriphosphate foaming medium dispensed with nitrous oxide. The standard dosage is 10 centiliters (10cL) or 3.38 fl. oz.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''' biofoam texture graphic file</ref> Within the [[Unified Earth Government]], biofoam is an [[Wikipedia:Over-the-counter|OTC-legal product]]; biofoam can be purchased legally "over-the-counter".<ref name="universe"/>


==Overview==
==Overview==
===Contents===
Biofoam canisters are prefilled with an expansion agent and liquid polyethyltriphosphate. The two mix and are exposed to air when biofoam is applied to a wound, immediately producing a foaming reaction. The foam strongly adheres to tissues and simultaneously releases encapsulated medical compounds that advances clotting, disinfects the wound, and eventually numbs pain. After a short duration of time, the foam applied will set and become a semi-rigid, porous mass internally, which forms a hardened skin on regions of the body exposed to air.<ref name="universe"/>
Prior to application, biofoam consists of two substances: nitrous oxide and morphophetamine-infused liquid polyethyltriphosphate,{{Ref/Reuse|TRP5}} with the latter incorporating [[MediGel]], a product of [[Optican]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P29|Enc22|Page=29}}


===Usage and effects===
Biofoam is rubbed into the skin or injected deeper into the body. It is very painful to use, at least initially, described as feeling like "burning ants crawling around the wound" and "thousands of tiny knives" stabbing the recipient. However, biofoam has been described as being able to numb pain.<ref name="h2sg"></ref><ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page ???''</ref>{{Ref/Note|The ''Halo 2 Strategy Guide's'' description of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI MJOLNIR armor]] describes biofoam as being able to numb pain. In ''[[Halo: The Flood|The Flood]]'', biofoam is said to numb [[M. Fitzgerald|Fitzgerald]]'s [[Type-33 Needler|Needler]] wound.}} It is likely that only the application is painful, and that the biofoam quickly numbs the wound after settling. Biofoam does not seem to have this kind of painful reaction when applied to an unwounded area, as [[the Rookie]] is seen spraying a small amount on his uninjured fingers and does not react in pain. It is often used as a medical option when there are no [[Hospital Corpsman|medical personnel]] available. Bottles of biofoam are found in [[health pack]]s.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 91''</ref><ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 123'' (''"William retrieved a can of biofoam from the rover and inserted the tip into the tiny injection port in his armor—pushed it through the skin between his fourth and fifth ribs. He filled his abdominal cavity with the space-filling coagulant/antibacterial/tissue-regenerative polymer."'')</ref> Often UNSC medics will use it as a sealing agent during treatment in field hospital. While exploring the abandoned [[New Mombasa]] by himself, the Rookie used civilian biofoam canisters, with the brand name [[Optican]], to heal his wounds, as no military medical supplies were available.
[[File:Biofoam 02.png|250px|thumb|Biofoam being applied.]]
Biofoam is generally contained within a cylindrical canister or bottle with a deployable nozzle used to apply the mixture directly to the affected area of a patient,<ref name="Kikowani">''[[Halo 3: ODST]] level, Kikowani Station''</ref> although it can also be rubbed into a wound rather than injected.{{Ref/Reuse|h2sg}} When applied and exposed to air, the nitrous oxide and liquid polyethyltriphosphate mix, they produce a foaming reaction.{{Ref/Reuse|TRP5}} The foam strongly adheres to tissues and simultaneously releases encapsulated medical compounds that advances clotting, disinfects the wound, and eventually numbs pain. After a short duration of time, the foam applied will set and become a semi-rigid, porous mass internally, which forms a hardened skin on regions of the body exposed to air.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The standard dosage is 10 centiliters (10cL) or 3.38 fl. oz.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''' biofoam texture graphic file</ref>


Despite biofoam's numbing properties, for the first few seconds after its application to an open wound, it is known to be very painful,{{Ref/Reuse|TRP5}} described as feeling like "burning ants crawling around the wound" and "thousands of tiny knives" stabbing the recipient.{{Ref/Reuse|h2sg}}<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page ???''</ref> Biofoam does not seem to have this kind of painful reaction when applied to an unwounded area, as during the [[Battle of Mombasa]], [[Jonathan Doherty]] was seen spraying a small amount onto his uninjured fingers and does not react in pain. The effects of biofoam are temporary, and after a few hours, it simply breaks down. Therefore, it is normally a form of first aid, used only as a temporary sealant until proper medical attention can be sought.{{Ref/Reuse|TRP5}} In extremely rare cases, allergic reactions to biofoam have been documented. [[Wikipedia:Edema|Edema]] is a rare side effect of biofoam, caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
The effects of biofoam are temporary, and after a time, usually a few hours, it simply breaks down. Therefore, it is normally a form of first aid, used only as a temporary sealant until proper medical attention can be sought. In extremely rare cases, allergic reactions to biofoam have been documented. [[Wikipedia:Edema|Edema]] is another rare side effect of biofoam, caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.<ref name="universe"/>


===Applications===
The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI]],<ref name="h2sg">'''[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]'''</ref> [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR GEN2]],{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|Game=Halo 4}} and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|MJOLNIR GEN3]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=sorchapt5|Novel=Halo: Shadows of Reach|Chapter=5}} armors contain automatic biofoam injectors, which negate the need for their [[SPARTAN programs|Spartan]] wearers to use health packs.
Biofoam is often used as a medical option when there are no [[Hospital Corpsman|medical personnel]] available. Bottles of biofoam can be found in [[health pack]]s.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 91''</ref><ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 123'' (''"William retrieved a can of biofoam from the rover and inserted the tip into the tiny injection port in his armor—pushed it through the skin between his fourth and fifth ribs. He filled his abdominal cavity with the space-filling coagulant/antibacterial/tissue-regenerative polymer."'')</ref> [[UNSC]] medics will use it as a sealing agent during treatment in the field.{{Ref/Reuse|TRP5}} The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI]],<ref name="h2sg">'''[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]'''</ref> [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR GEN2]],{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|Game=Halo 4}} and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|MJOLNIR GEN3]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=sorchapt5|Novel=Halo: Shadows of Reach|Chapter=5}} armors contain automatic biofoam injectors, which negate the need for their [[SPARTAN programs|Spartan]] wearers to use health packs.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Despite the application process being rather painful, when biofoam is applied to [[Kojo Agu|Romeo's]] wound in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', he sighs with relief, rather than showing signs of discomfort. This might result from his rigorous [[ODST]] training, or be due to his relief that he can breathe properly again.
*Despite the insertion process being rather painful, when biofoam is applied to [[Kojo Agu|Romeo's]] wound in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', he sighs with relief, rather than showing signs of discomfort. This might result from his rigorous [[ODST]] training, or be due to his relief that he can breathe properly again.
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'' biofoam is applied by inserting part of the canister into the wound. In ''[[Halo: Landfall]]'' however, biofoam is applied like shaving cream, which could mean that biofoam works internally and externally.
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'' biofoam is applied by inserting part of the canister into the wound. In ''[[Halo: Landfall]]'' however, biofoam is applied like shaving cream (which is most likely what was used in the scene) which could possibly mean that biofoam works internally and externally.
*The closest equivalent in the modern world to biofoam is Quikclot combat gauze, which utilizes kaolin nanoparticles impregnated into gauze. It is designed to stop moderate to severe bleeding and stabilize a combat casualty. However, it is not a foam, and as gauze, it must be packed into the wound. An [https://www.darpa.mil/program/wound-stasis-system experimental foam] developed in late [[2012]] by [[Wikipedia:DARPA|DARPA]] also bears many similarities to biofoam, as it is capable of packing combat wounds and halting internal bleeding.
*The closest equivalent in the modern world to biofoam is Quikclot combat gauze, which utilizes kaolin nanoparticles impregnated into gauze. It is designed to stop moderate to severe bleeding and stabilize a combat casualty. However, it is not a foam, and as gauze, it must be packed into the wound. An [http://www.technewsdaily.com/15895-foam-injection-soldiers-bleeding.html experimental foam] developed in late 2012 by [[Wikipedia:DARPA|DARPA]] also bears many similarities to biofoam, as it is capable of packing combat wounds and halting internal bleeding.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 27: Line 23:
File:Biofoam_03.png|Biofoam exuding out of Romeo's damaged chest plate.
File:Biofoam_03.png|Biofoam exuding out of Romeo's damaged chest plate.
File:Sullivan_biofoam.jpg|The [[John-117|Master Chief]] applies biofoam to [[Michael Sullivan]]'s wound in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:Sullivan_biofoam.jpg|The [[John-117|Master Chief]] applies biofoam to [[Michael Sullivan]]'s wound in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:HINF Mr Bones Chest Icon.png|The "Mr. Bones" chest attachment for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII|MJOLNIR Mark VII]] armor core in ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', featuring a biofoam canister.
File:BiofoamCanister.png|Render of the biofoam canister from ''Halo 3: ODST''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 50: Line 46:
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
 
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
==Note==
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==

Please note that all contributions to Halopedia are considered to be released under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license (see Halopedia:Copyrights for details). If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly and redistributed at will, then don't submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource. Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)

To view or search uploaded images go to the list of images. Uploads and deletions are also logged in the upload log. For help including images on a page see Help:Images. For a sound file, use this code: [[Media:File.ogg]].

Do not copy text from other websites without permission. It will be deleted.

This page is a member of 1 meta category: