Title: Scientists Create Sprayable Powder That Instantly Seals Severe Wounds Date Published: 20 January 2026 Description: Scientists have developed a novel sprayable powder capable of rapidly sealing life-threatening wounds by forming an instant gel barrier that stops severe bleeding within seconds, even in deep, large and irregular injuries.The breakthrough, led by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in collaboration with an active-duty Army major, was designed to tackle excessive bleeding, one of the leading causes of death in combat and trauma-related injuries.The next-generation haemostatic agent, known as AGCL powder, works by absorbing large volumes of blood and instantly transforming into a gel upon contact, effectively sealing wounds and preventing further blood loss. The findings were published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.According to the researchers, the powder remains effective for up to two years and is expected to significantly improve survival rates by providing a fast, reliable solution for bleeding control in emergency situations.Excessive bleeding remains the primary cause of preventable death in war, prompting ongoing efforts to develop faster and more adaptable medical interventions for extreme environments. The direct involvement of an Army major in the project helped shape the technology to meet real-world battlefield demands.Animal experiments showed promising results, including accelerated wound healing, enhanced tissue regeneration, and the promotion of blood vessel and collagen growth.The powder also demonstrated superior sealing performance compared to existing commercial haemostatic agents, with an adhesive strength exceeding 40 kilopascals—strong enough to withstand firm manual pressure.Researchers further noted a low risk of cell damage and infection when the material comes into contact with blood, underscoring its potential safety for medical use.PhD candidate Kyusoon Park, an Army major who participated in the research, said the motivation behind the innovation was to reduce loss of life in modern warfare. “I started the research with a sense of mission to save even one more soldier. I hope this technology will serve as a life-saving solution in both national defence and civilian medical fields,” he said.The team explained that existing powder haemostatic agents have limitations, particularly in treating deep and complex wounds, due to their flat structures and sensitivity to temperature and humidity, which restrict storage and field use.By adopting a sprayable powder format, the KAIST researchers aimed to overcome these challenges, creating a more versatile solution capable of adapting to complex wound shapes and harsh environmental conditions, including military operations and disaster zones. Attached Images: 56310405b9432d6d7cfae4bea2d3fb042abb0da01bcc60af55ae4567e78c8ce8.jpg Attached Video: None