A groundbreaking spray-on powder has been developed that has the potential to save countless lives by instantly sealing life-threatening wounds. Researchers believe this innovative solution could make a significant impact, especially in scenarios such as warfare and emergencies.
This remarkable powder, which stops bleeding in just one second, was created by a team of scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, South Korea. Their research highlights the importance of addressing excessive bleeding, a major cause of fatalities resulting from injuries in combat situations. The powder is also designed for use in emergency hospital settings.
The development team, which included an Army Major, focused on ensuring that the powder is not only effective but also practical for real-world use. Major Kyusoon Park, a PhD candidate and co-author of the study, emphasized that this substance enables “instant hardening” even under challenging conditions like combat and natural disasters while offering excellent usability and storage stability.
Traditional patch-type hemostatic agents have limitations due to their flat design and susceptibility to temperature and humidity, which can hinder their effectiveness under pressure. In contrast, existing powders that control blood flow primarily work by physically absorbing blood to create a barrier, a method that can be less efficient.
According to study co-leader Professor Steve Park, the innovative AGCL powder reacts with cations in the blood, such as calcium, to form a gel-like substance almost instantly, effectively sealing the wound. Furthermore, the powder’s unique three-dimensional structure allows it to absorb more than seven times its own weight in blood.
Professor Park noted that AGCL powder demonstrates superior sealing capabilities compared to commercial hemostatic agents, boasting high adhesive strength and resistance to significant pressure.
This new powder is made entirely from naturally derived materials and possesses an impressive antibacterial effect, achieving a remarkable 99.9% efficacy against bacteria. Its composition includes biocompatible natural ingredients like alginate and gellan gum, which work together with calcium for rapid gel formation, alongside chitosan, which enhances hemostatic properties by bonding with blood components.
Animal studies have shown promising results, indicating that AGCL powder not only leads to rapid wound recovery but also promotes the regeneration of blood vessels and collagen. In surgical tests involving liver injuries, the team observed a significant reduction in both bleeding and hemostasis time compared to existing commercial methods.
This exciting advancement in medical technology is poised to revolutionize the way critical wounds are managed, potentially saving lives in emergency situations and beyond.
