Korean Spray Stops Bleeding in One Second

Imagine stopping severe bleeding in the time it takes to blink your eyes.

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology in South Korea have developed a spray-on powder that seals wounds and stops bleeding in just one second. The powder transforms into a gel the moment it touches blood, creating an instant barrier that works on wounds of any size or depth.

The invention started with a military mission. Army Major and researcher Kyusoon Park wanted to save soldiers' lives on the battlefield. "I started the research with a sense of mission to save even one more soldier," Park told SciTechDaily.

But the spray's potential reaches far beyond war zones. The powder, called AGCL, could revolutionize emergency medicine in hospitals, disaster zones, and remote areas where quick treatment makes the difference between life and death.

What makes this spray special isn't just its speed. Traditional bleeding-control products often fail in harsh conditions because heat and moisture break them down. This new powder stays effective for up to two years, even in hot, humid environments like swamps or tropical climates.

The science behind it is equally impressive. The powder contains ingredients called Alginate and Gellan Gum that react with calcium in your blood to form a gel. Another component called Chitosan bonds with blood cells to enhance clotting. Together, these materials can absorb seven times their weight in blood.

Early tests show remarkable results. In surgical experiments on livers, the spray outperformed other bleeding-control products by a wide margin. The treated livers fully healed within two weeks and regained complete function.

The Ripple Effect

This technology could transform how doctors handle high-pressure surgical situations. Surgeons operating on major organs could control bleeding faster, reducing complications and saving more lives. Emergency responders could treat trauma victims more effectively in the critical minutes before reaching a hospital.

The spray could also help people in developing countries where access to advanced medical care is limited. A simple spray that works in any environment and lasts for years without refrigeration could reach remote clinics and villages that need it most.

Like all medical breakthroughs, the powder needs more testing before it becomes widely available. But the early results give researchers confidence that this simple spray could become a standard tool in medicine.

One second to stop bleeding could mean a lifetime saved.