Researchers from South Korea have created an experimental spray that can almost instantly stop severe bleeding, a technology with significant potential for use in emergency situations, from the battlefield to civilian medical interventions.
The information is presented by New York Post, based on a recent scientific study.
A solution designed for medical emergencies and extreme situations
The new hemostatic agent is primarily designed for military use and emergency medical personnel, but researchers suggest that the simplicity of application could allow for its long-term use even outside specialized environments.
The product is in the form of a spray-applicable powder that reacts immediately upon contact with blood.
Uncontrolled bleeding remains the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths in the first minutes or hours after a serious injury, especially in isolated areas or conditions where rapid access to a hospital is limited.
How the spray works
The spray was developed by a team from KAIST, one of the most prestigious research and higher education institutions in Asia, and the research results were published in the scientific journal Advanced Functional Materials. According to the study, the powder transforms into a soft and flexible gel in less than a second upon contact with blood.
The gel conforms to the shape of the wound and rapidly seals it, even in the case of deep, irregular, or hard-to-reach injuries where traditional bandages are often insufficient.
Natural ingredients and high absorption
The compound, called AGCL, is made exclusively from natural ingredients: alginate extracted from brown algae, gellan gum obtained through bacterial fermentation, and chitosan derived from crustacean shells and insects. Alginate and gellan gum form the gel structure, while chitosan attracts red blood cells and platelets, accelerating the clotting process.
Tests show that the gel can absorb up to seven times its weight in blood, making it suitable for severe hemorrhages. Additionally, the material has antibacterial properties and does not affect tissues, promoting healing.
Another significant advantage is the product's stability. The spray can be stored for up to two years at room temperature and remains effective even in conditions of heat, humidity, or harsh environments, typical of emergency interventions or conflict zones.
Bleeding, a major cause of preventable deaths
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., approximately 31,000 people die annually in the United States due to bleeding that could have been prevented. In the military environment, bleeding accounts for over 90% of potentially preventable deaths on the battlefield, regardless of blood type.
"The essence of modern society is reducing human losses," said Kyusoon Park, a KAIST researcher involved in the development of the spray. He stated that the project stemmed from the desire to save as many lives as possible and that the technology could be used both in defense and civilian medicine.
For now, researchers have not announced when this spray could become available for widespread use.
G.P.