Researchers at Texas A&M, led by Akhilesh Gaharwar with collaborators Duncan Maitland and Taylor Ware, are developing injectable hemostatic dressings that can dramatically reduce bleeding time. Two papers in Advanced Science and Advanced Functional Materials report reductions in bleeding time of almost 70%. The work targets deep internal bleeding where standard compression cannot be used.
The team reports that, under normal conditions, blood clots in six to seven minutes. Their dressings can reduce clotting time to one to two minutes. To avoid infection risks from natural clays, the researchers developed synthetic nanosilicate particles that promote rapid coagulation.
A major concern was that loose powders could wash away or travel through vessels and create dangerous clots. To address this, the group engineered two delivery systems: an expanding foam that sets after injection and micro-ribbons that curl when warmed and tangle to form a stable mass. Doctoral student Saptarshi Biswas handled samples of the dressing.
Gaharwar says these materials could reach first aid kits in ambulances and soldiers’ packs and save many lives; saving 30–40% of hemorrhagic shock victims would be a major achievement.
Difficult words
- hemostatic — that helps stop or reduce bleeding quickly
- coagulation — the process when blood becomes a solid clot
- synthetic — made by people, not taken from nature
- nanosilicate — very small silica-based particles used in medicine
- expanding foam — a material that grows then becomes firm after injection
- micro-ribbon — thin, small strips that can curl and tanglemicro-ribbons
- hemorrhagic shock — dangerous condition caused by a large loss of blood
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think ambulances should carry these injectable dressings? Why or why not?
- What are the possible benefits and risks of using synthetic particles instead of natural clays?
- How important is it to reduce clotting time from six or seven minutes to one or two minutes in an emergency?
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