New Spray Powder Stops Life-Threatening Bleeding in 1 Second
Scientists in South Korea have created a spray-on powder that stops severe bleeding in just one second, potentially saving countless lives on battlefields and in emergency rooms. The revolutionary gel works on deep, irregular wounds where traditional treatments struggle.
A powder that stops life-threatening bleeding in one second could soon save soldiers and accident victims who would otherwise die from blood loss.
Researchers at KAIST in South Korea have developed a spray-on powder that transforms into a strong gel the moment it touches blood. The breakthrough addresses the leading cause of death in combat: severe bleeding that medics can't control fast enough.
The team was led by Professor Steve Park and Professor Sangyong Jon, with direct input from Army Major Kyusoon Park. Because a military officer helped design it, the technology works in real battlefield conditions where every second counts.
Traditional hemostatic patches lie flat against wounds, making them nearly useless for deep or irregularly shaped injuries. They also degrade in heat and humidity, limiting their reliability in the field.
The new AGCL powder solves both problems. It conforms to any wound shape and stays effective for two years, even in harsh conditions.
The powder combines three natural ingredients: alginate and gellan gum (which react with calcium in blood to form an instant gel) and chitosan (which chemically bonds with blood components). When sprayed on a wound, it reacts with calcium ions and hardens in about one second.
Its three-dimensional structure absorbs more than seven times its weight in blood, creating a seal strong enough to withstand firm hand pressure. In tests, it achieved adhesive strength greater than 40 kilopascals.
Safety testing showed impressive results. The powder had a hemolysis rate below 3%, cell viability above 99%, and killed 99.9% of bacteria on contact.
Animal studies on surgical liver injuries showed the powder reduced both bleeding time and total blood loss compared to commercial products. Liver function returned to normal within two weeks, with no signs of toxicity. Wound healing improved, along with better regeneration of blood vessels and collagen.
The Ripple Effect
What started as battlefield medicine could transform emergency care everywhere. The powder could help first responders at disaster sites, improve healthcare in developing countries, and assist surgeons during internal operations.
The technology earned the 2025 KAIST Q-Day President's Award and the Minister of National Defense Award. Major Kyusoon Park, who earned his PhD while developing the technology, said his mission was simple: save even one more soldier.
Now that innovation could save civilians too, turning defense research into a tool that helps anyone, anywhere, when bleeding threatens their life.
Based on reporting by Health Daily
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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