Powder Stops Bleeding in One Second

A "next-generation powder hemostatic agent" that stops bleeding within 1 second when sprayed onto an injured area has been developed. KAIST (South Korea) has developed a powder-type hemostatic agent (AGCL powder) that forms a strong hydrogel barrier within 1 second upon simple spraying onto a wound, effectively stopping bleeding. Thanks to its high usability and storability, the powder can harden instantly even under extreme conditions, such as in war zones and disaster sites, enabling prompt first aid. When the powder comes into contact with blood, it reacts with cations, such as calcium, and forms a gel within 1 second, instantly sealing the wound. Inside the powder, a three-dimensional structure is formed, allowing it to absorb more than seven times its own weight (725%) in blood. As a result, it can rapidly block blood flow even under high-pressure and severe bleeding conditions, and it boasts an adhesive force of over 40 kPa-enough to withstand strong manual pressure, offering far superior sealing performance compared to commercial hemostatic agents. AGCL powder maintains its performance for 2 years even at room temperature and in high-humidity environments.