A Korean spray stops bleeding in less than a second… How does it work?
Scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed an innovative medical spray capable of stopping severe bleeding in less than a second, an achievement that could be a game-changer in emergency medicine, especially in critical situations where blood loss is a direct threat to life, such as battlefields or violent accidents.
According to the research team, the new spray works through its immediate interaction with blood, turning it into a soft, rubbery gel that closes the wound at record speed, while simultaneously enhancing the body’s natural clotting process, thus greatly reducing the risk of continuous bleeding.
Outperforms traditional bandages
Compared to traditional field first aid methods that rely on bandages and direct pressure, this spray is characterized by its rapid action and the fact that it does not require pressure on the site of injury.
This factor is of particular importance in traumatic injuries, as time is a crucial element in saving the injured, according to a report published by the website ” interestingengineering “.
The spray is particularly suitable for gunshot wounds, shrapnel wounds, deep or complicated cuts, and situations where gauze fails to control bleeding. Tests have also shown that the powder can absorb up to seven times its weight in blood.
How does the “magic spray” work?
Given these remarkable results, the spray is currently in its initial phase of development for military and emergency medical applications. But what is the scientific secret behind its rapid effectiveness?
According to KAIST University, the spray consists of a powder based on a substance known as AGCL, which includes three main natural ingredients:
- Alginates, a substance extracted from seaweed, are already used in medical dressings because of their ability to turn into a gel when in contact with fluids such as blood.
- Gelan gum, extracted from certain types of bacteria, helps strengthen the gel and maintain its consistency even under pressure of up to about 40 kilopascals, which is roughly equivalent to the pressure of a human hand.
- Chitosan, a substance extracted from the shells of crustaceans and insects, has a positive electrical charge that allows it to attract red blood cells and platelets, which significantly speeds up the clotting process.
When these ingredients are combined, wounds close almost instantly, while supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Promising results pending approval
Despite the positive results, this new generation of hemostatic agents is still in the research and development phase and needs to undergo clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval before it can be used on a large scale.
If these phases are successful, the spray could become a staple in military medical kits, hospital emergency departments, and perhaps even in home first aid kits in the future.
“The essence of modern healthcare is minimizing loss of life,” says Kyosun Park, one of the scientists involved in developing the spray at KAIST. “I started this research with the desire to save at least one soldier’s life, and I hope this technology will become an effective life-saving tool in both the military and medical sectors.”