Heavy bleeding is the biggest reason soldiers die on the battlefield. Stopping blood fast can save lives.
A team from KAIST, including an Army Major, made a new spray‑on powder that stops bleeding in about one second.
How the Powder Works
The powder is called AGCL. It mixes natural ingredients like alginate, gellan gum and chitosan. When the powder meets blood, it reacts with calcium and other ions.
In less than a second the mixture turns into a strong gel. The gel creates a seal that blocks blood flow.
Why It Is Better Than Old Methods
Old hemostatic patches are flat. They do not fit deep or irregular wounds well. The new powder can fill any shape, big or small.
It can soak up more than seven times its own weight in blood. Tests show it can hold pressure over 40 kPa, enough to stop blood even when a strong hand presses on the wound.
Safety and Healing
All ingredients are biocompatible. Lab tests showed less than 3 % red‑cell damage, more than 99 % cell survival and 99.9 % antibacterial action.
Animal studies showed faster healing, better blood‑vessel growth and stronger collagen. In liver‑injury tests the powder reduced blood loss more than commercial products and did not cause toxicity.
Long‑Term Storage
The powder stays stable for two years even at high temperature and humidity. That makes it ready for use in harsh field conditions.
Beyond the Battlefield
Although designed for soldiers, the powder can help in disaster zones, remote clinics and any place where quick bleeding control is needed.
The work earned the 2025 KAIST Q‑Day President’s Award and the 2024 Minister of National Defense Award.
Researchers hope the powder will become a common tool for both military and civilian emergency care.