A team of dedicated scientists from South Korea has achieved a remarkable milestone by developing an innovative spray-on powder that has the potential to save countless lives. This groundbreaking substance is designed to seal life-threatening wounds almost instantly, addressing a critical issue, as excessive bleeding is a leading cause of fatalities in injury cases, particularly in conflict zones.

This fast-acting wound powder, which can stop bleeding in just one second, was crafted by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon. Their work included insights from an Army Major, ensuring that the product is ready for real-world applications, particularly in emergency situations.

Major Kyusoon Park, who is also pursuing a PhD and contributed as a co-author of the study, emphasized the powder’s ability to harden instantly under extreme conditions. He noted its high usability and stability, which are crucial for medical emergencies. Traditional hemostatic agents often fall short due to their flat design and vulnerability to environmental factors, but this new solution overcomes those challenges.

The innovative AGCL powder uniquely interacts with calcium ions found in blood, transforming into a gel within seconds to seal wounds effectively. Study co-leader Professor Steve Park shared that this powder can absorb more than seven times its weight in blood, showcasing its exceptional sealing capabilities compared to existing commercial products.

Composed entirely of natural materials, the AGCL powder boasts a remarkable antibacterial effect of 99.9%. Its formulation combines biocompatible ingredients, such as alginate and gellan gum, with chitosan, enhancing its effectiveness in promoting hemostasis.

In animal testing, researchers observed impressive tissue regeneration, significantly improving wound recovery and promoting the growth of blood vessels and collagen. Additionally, in experiments involving surgical liver injuries, the powder demonstrated reduced bleeding and quicker hemostasis compared to traditional methods.

The AGCL powder maintains its effectiveness for up to two years, even in challenging environments with high humidity and varying temperatures, making it a reliable option for urgent situations.

Major Park expressed his commitment to this life-saving research, initially driven by the desire to protect soldiers but now hoping it will benefit emergency medical efforts globally, especially in underserved communities.

This inspiring development in medical technology highlights the extraordinary potential of scientific innovation to improve health outcomes and save lives.