A spray-on powder that instantly seals life-threatening wounds could save thousands of lives, scientists say.
This new substance can help prevent excessive bleeding, which is the leading cause of death from injuries in war, according to a study.
The fast-acting powder that stops bleeding in just one second was developed by South Korean scientists, who say it can also be used in emergency procedures in hospitals.
The research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, which included an Army Major, created the powder that quickly forms a strong hydrogel barrier when applied directly to a gunshot wound.
The team designed the technology with real combat conditions in mind, and the direct involvement of an Army Major helped ensure its practical readiness.
Major Kyusoon Park, who is also a PhD candidate and co-author of the study, mentioned that the substance allows for “instant hardening” under extreme conditions such as combat or disasters, in addition to offering high usability and storage stability.
“Until now, patch-type hemostatic agents, widely used in the medical field, have had limitations due to their flat structure and sensitivity to temperature and humidity.”
These cannot withstand the pressure applied to the wound. Additionally, current powders that stop blood flow have limited functionality by physically absorbing blood to form a barrier, according to the study published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
“The new AGCL powder reacts with cations, such as calcium in the blood, to convert to a gel state in one second, instantly sealing the wound,” said study co-leader Professor Steve Park.
“In addition, by forming a three-dimensional structure within the powder, it can absorb an amount of blood more than seven times its own weight.”
ADVANCE EMS: Researchers Develop ‘Revolutionary’ Blood Test for Stroke Detection in the Field: ‘Truly Transformative’
“It shows superior sealing performance compared to commercial hemostatic agents, with high adhesive strength and a pressure level that can withstand being pressed strongly by hand.”
AGCL powder is composed entirely of naturally derived materials with an antibacterial effect of 99.9%.
It has a structure that combines biocompatible natural materials such as alginate and gellan gum—which react with calcium for rapid gelation and physical sealing—and chitosan, which binds to blood components to improve chemical and biological hemostasis.
“In animal experiments, excellent tissue regeneration effects, such as rapid wound recovery and promotion of blood vessel and collagen regeneration, were confirmed,” Prof. Park explained.
“In surgical liver injury experiments, the amount of bleeding and hemostasis time were significantly reduced compared to commercial methods.”
MORE LIFE-SAVING TECHNOLOGY:
• 3D Printing Glue Gun Can Repair Bone Fractures During Surgery – Filling Gaps Around Irregular Edges
• Paramedics With Jet Backpacks Can Fly Where Ambulances and Helicopters Can’t Go – WATCH
• In 10 Minutes, UN Tsunami Warning System Notified Millions in Asia After Earthquake
“It also maintains its performance for two years, even in ambient temperature and high humidity environments, having the advantage of being ready for immediate use in difficult environments.
“Although this is an advanced new materials technology developed for national defense purposes,” said Major Park, “it has great potential for emergency medicine, disaster sites, developing countries and medically underserved areas.”
“I started the research with a sense of mission to save even one more soldier—but I also hope that this technology will be used as a life-saving technology in private medical fields.”
GIVE DOCTORS SOME GOOD NEWS by Sharing This on Social Media…
Leave a Reply