Nanoscale Biological Coating Can Stop Bleeding Within Seconds
Posted on January 10, 2012
MIT engineers say they have developed a nanoscale biological coating which can stop bleeding in the seconds. Sponges coated with this material can be stored stably and carried by soldiers or medical personnel. Once sprayed, the sponges can be stored for months before use. The sponges can also be molded to fit the shape of any wound. The researchers say the coating could dramatically improve survival rates for injured soldiers.
Paula Hammond, the David H. Koch Professor in Engineering, says, "The ability to easily package the blood-clotting agent in this sponge system is very appealing because you can pack them, store them and then pull them out rapidly."
Paula Hammond was the led researcher in the study, which was funded by the MIT Institute of Soldier Nanotechnologies. The research was published in the Dec. 27 online edition of Advanced Materials. The Lead author of the paper is Anita Shukla PhD '11, who is now a postdoc at Rice University.