KAIST Develops Spray-On Powder That Stops Severe Bleeding in One Second

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a spray-on powder called AGCL that can stop severe bleeding in approximately one second. According to reports from mymodernmet.com, the powder instantly transforms into a strong hydrogel barrier upon contact with blood, sealing deep and irregular wounds that often resist conventional hemostatic treatments.

The technology was designed for use in chaotic environments where applying traditional gauze or maintaining manual pressure is difficult. A multidisciplinary team, which included bioengineers, material scientists, and an active-duty Army major, developed the spray to function in battlefield, disaster, and emergency medical settings, according to mymodernmet.com.

Chemical Composition and Gel Formation of AGCL Powder

AGCL powder utilizes biocompatible polymers to create an immediate physical seal over an injury. According to mymodernmet.com, the powder is composed of gellan gum and alginate, which react with calcium ions naturally found in human blood to trigger the near-instant formation of a gel.

The researchers also integrated chitosan into the formula to support tissue compatibility and enhance the clotting process. The resulting hydrogel structure is capable of absorbing more than seven times its own weight in blood, according to mymodernmet.com.

Reports from Seoul Economic Daily, as cited by mymodernmet.com, state that the resulting barrier is strong enough to withstand manual pressure. The powder also remains effective after years of storage in harsh conditions, including environments with high temperatures or high humidity.

Performance in Preclinical Testing and Wound Healing

In preclinical trials, the AGCL powder significantly reduced bleeding time for severe injuries, including wounds to the liver, according to mymodernmet.com. The spray allows for the sealing of irregular injuries without the need for stitches or prolonged compression.

Beyond immediate hemorrhage control, researchers observed that the spray supported normal healing processes. According to mymodernmet.com, testing showed improved tissue regeneration, specifically the formation of new collagen and blood vessels.

Comparison to Traditional Hemostatic Methods

Conventional bleeding-control methods, such as gauze or patch-style agents, can be slow to activate or difficult to place accurately in complex wounds. According to mymodernmet.com, these traditional tools often struggle with internal bleeding or irregular wound shapes.

The AGCL spray differs by requiring minimal precision during application. Once released from an aerosol canister, the powder spreads evenly across the wound surface and solidifies almost instantly, providing a faster alternative to manual dressings in emergency situations where surgical care is unavailable.

Clinical Status and Potential Applications

While the technology has shown success in preclinical stages, it has not yet been approved for widespread clinical use, according to mymodernmet.com.

If approved, the researchers suggest the tool could be deployed across several high-pressure medical environments, including:

• Military medicine and battlefield trauma care
• Ambulances and first responder kits
• Hospital emergency rooms
• Remote clinics and disaster zones

The development addresses a critical public health need, as bleeding remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide during accidents and combat, according to mymodernmet.com.