Researchers at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a spray-on powder that can stop heavy bleeding in just one second by turning blood into a protective gel.The innovation, called AGCL Powder, is designed for situations where every second matters.
From traffic accidents and industrial injuries to battlefields and disaster zones, uncontrolled bleeding remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The KAIST team believes this new technology could save countless lives by providing a faster, easier, and more reliable way to control blood loss.
Commonly used methods of stopping bleeding usually rely on bandages, gauze, or pressure. These methods often struggle with deep, uneven, or hard-to-reach wounds. AGCL Powder takes a different approach.
The powder is sprayed directly onto the wound. As soon as it touches blood, it reacts with calcium ions naturally present in the body. This reaction causes the powder to change into a strong hydrogel within about one second. The gel forms a physical seal over the wound, stopping blood flow almost immediately.
Researchers say this rapid response time is the biggest advantage of the new spray. In critical injuries, even a short delay can be fatal. A solution that works in one second could dramatically improve survival chances.
The main problems with existing hemostatic products are their shape. Patch-type dressings work best on flat surfaces but perform poorly on deep or uneven wounds. This makes them less effective in severe trauma cases.
AGCL Powder solves this issue by being sprayable. It can reach wounds of almost any shape or size, including deep cuts and irregular injuries. Because it adapts to the wound surface, it provides better coverage and sealing than traditional materials.
This flexibility makes the spray suitable for a wide range of injuries, from external wounds to internal surgical bleeding.
How the Science Works
The strength of AGCL Powder comes from its unique composition. It combines natural, biocompatible materials such as alginate, gellan gum, and chitosan.
Alginate and gellan gum react quickly with calcium in the blood, allowing ultra-fast gel formation. Chitosan enhances the process by bonding with blood components, improving both chemical and biological clotting. Together, these materials create a strong seal that blocks blood flow effectively.
Tests showed that the powder can absorb more than seven times its own weight in blood. It also demonstrated high adhesive strength, meaning it can hold firmly even under strong pressure and heavy bleeding.
Safety was the main focus of the research. The spray is made entirely from naturally derived materials and is designed to be safe when in direct contact with blood and tissue.
Laboratory and animal studies showed excellent results. The powder caused minimal damage to red blood cells, maintained very high cell viability, and showed strong antibacterial effects. This reduces the risk of infection, which is a major concern in open wounds.
Researchers also observed fast wound healing, along with improved blood vessel and collagen regeneration, suggesting the spray may support recovery, not just stop bleeding.
Another advantage of AGCL Powder is its durability. Many medical products lose effectiveness when exposed to heat or humidity. In contrast, this spray remains stable for up to two years, even in high-humidity environments and at room temperature.
This makes it especially useful for military operations, disaster response, and remote areas where storage conditions are unpredictable. Emergency responders can carry it easily and use it immediately when needed.
