A research team from KAIST has created a hemostatic powder that stops bleeding quickly, being effective on deep wounds and in difficult conditions.

Researchers at the Korean Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed an innovative hemostatic agent in powder form, designed to stop severe bleeding by spraying directly onto the wound. This technology, published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, forms a hydrogel barrier in about a second, being effective in emergency situations, including in war zones. The powder, named 'AGCL', combines alginate, gellan gum, and chitosan, reacting with calcium in the blood to form a gel that quickly seals the wound.

It can absorb more than seven times its own weight in blood and has demonstrated superior wound-closing capability compared to existing commercial products. Additionally, the powder has a very low hemolysis rate and a 99.9% antibacterial effect, making it safe for use. Animal experiments have shown rapid wound healing and tissue regeneration, and the product maintains its efficacy for two years at room temperature. This innovation has potential applications in emergency medicine and in areas with limited medical access, aiming to save lives in critical situations.