TL;DR
KAIST researchers have created a spray-on powder that can stop severe bleeding within one second. The innovation is designed for battlefield use but may also benefit civilian emergency medicine. The powder transforms into a strong hydrogel barrier upon contact with blood, providing rapid, durable hemostasis.
KAIST researchers have introduced a spray-on powder capable of stopping severe bleeding in about one second. The innovation, designed with battlefield conditions in mind, could significantly improve survival rates for wounded soldiers and has broad potential for civilian emergency care, according to the research team.
The new material, called AGCL powder, is a biocompatible, naturally derived hemostatic agent that transforms into a strong hydrogel barrier almost instantly when sprayed onto a wound. It reacts with blood cations, particularly calcium, to rapidly form a physical seal, even in deep or irregular injuries. Laboratory tests showed the powder can absorb over 700% of its weight in blood, providing effective control during heavy bleeding. Animal studies demonstrated rapid wound healing and reduced blood loss in liver injury models, with no systemic toxicity observed. The powder remains stable for two years under various storage conditions, making it suitable for demanding environments such as combat zones and disaster sites.
Potential Impact on Emergency and Military Medicine
This technology could transform emergency response by providing a quick, reliable method to control life-threatening bleeding, especially in situations where traditional bandages or patches are ineffective. Its ability to conform to complex wounds and withstand heavy bleeding makes it a promising tool for battlefield medicine, disaster response, and remote healthcare. The development also exemplifies how defense research can be adapted for civilian medical applications, potentially saving many lives and improving trauma care worldwide.
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Development and Testing of the Sprayable Hemostatic Powder
The research was led by KAIST’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Department of Biological Sciences, with participation from an Army Major involved in the project. The team aimed to address limitations of existing hemostatic products, such as sensitivity to environmental conditions and difficulty in applying to complex wounds. The powder was designed to be versatile, stable, and effective in demanding conditions, with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea. It was recognized with multiple awards, including the 2025 KAIST Q-Day President’s Award and the 2024 Minister of National Defense Award. The findings were published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials on October 28, 2025.
“The core of modern warfare is minimizing the loss of human life.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Unanswered Questions About Clinical Use and Deployment
While laboratory and animal studies show promising results, it is not yet clear when the powder will undergo human clinical trials or become commercially available. The safety and efficacy in human patients, regulatory approvals, and real-world deployment protocols remain to be determined. Additionally, the long-term stability and performance in diverse environmental conditions need further validation.
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Next Steps for Clinical Trials and Commercialization
The research team plans to initiate human clinical trials to assess safety and effectiveness in medical settings. They are also exploring partnerships for manufacturing and distribution to facilitate rapid deployment in emergency situations. Further studies are expected to evaluate the powder’s performance in various types of wounds and in different environmental conditions. Regulatory approval processes will be a key milestone before the product can be widely adopted.
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Key Questions
How quickly does the spray-on powder stop bleeding?
Laboratory and animal studies indicate it can halt severe bleeding in about one second after application.
Is the powder safe for use in humans?
Initial tests show low hemolysis, high cell viability, and antibacterial effects, but human safety trials are still needed before widespread use.
Can the powder be used on deep or irregular wounds?
Yes, it is designed to conform to various wound shapes and sizes, including deep and complex injuries.
When might this product become available for emergency or medical use?
Human clinical trials are upcoming, with regulatory approval and commercial availability expected after further validation, likely within the next few years.
Could this technology be used outside military applications?
Yes, potential civilian uses include disaster response, emergency medicine, and treatment in underserved regions.
Source: rss
