Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a spray-on hemostatic powder capable of stopping severe bleeding in approximately one second. The material, known as AGCL powder, utilizes ionic reactions to form a rapid hydrogel barrier. It is designed to address the limitations of traditional patch-based dressings in complex, deep-wound combat and emergency scenarios.
How the AGCL Hemostatic Powder Functions
Unlike conventional hemostatic agents that rely primarily on physical absorption, the AGCL powder triggers a chemical transformation upon contact with blood. According to the research team led by Professor Steve Park of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor Sangyong Jon of the Department of Biological Sciences, the powder combines alginate, gellan gum, and chitosan.
When the mixture contacts blood, these ingredients react with calcium cations to undergo ultra-fast gelation. This process creates a robust, three-dimensional hydrogel barrier. The material is engineered to absorb up to 725% of its own weight in blood, allowing it to maintain pressure and seal wounds effectively even under heavy, high-pressure bleeding conditions. The team reported that the powder achieves an adhesive strength exceeding 40kPa, which is sufficient to withstand firm manual pressure.
Addressing Limitations in Battlefield Medicine
Traditional hemostatic products often feature a flat, patch-like design that struggles to cover irregular or deep-cavity injuries. Because an Army Major directly participated in the project, the technology was specifically tailored for the physical constraints of combat environments.
The powder is designed to conform to any wound shape, whether large or uneven. Furthermore, the material demonstrates durability in storage, maintaining its performance for two years under high-humidity and room-temperature conditions. This stability is a significant departure from many existing products that are sensitive to environmental fluctuations, making the AGCL powder a candidate for field kits where rapid, reliable deployment is necessary.
Safety and Clinical Performance
Laboratory testing indicates that the biocompatible nature of the powder minimizes the risk of toxicity or adverse reactions. The research, published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials on October 28, 2025, reports a hemolysis rate below 3% and cell viability above 99%. Additionally, the material exhibits a 99.9% antibacterial effect.
In surgical liver injury models, the powder demonstrated faster bleeding control and reduced total blood loss compared to current commercial hemostatic agents. Researchers observed that liver function remained stable, returning to normal levels within two weeks of application with no signs of systemic toxicity. The study also noted enhanced regeneration of collagen and blood vessels at the injury site.
Potential for Civilian and Emergency Use
While the project originated from national defense research, the development team anticipates broad applications in civilian emergency medical services. Potential use cases include disaster relief operations and surgical procedures where internal bleeding must be managed quickly.
The research has received notable recognition, including the 2025 KAIST Q-Day President’s Award and the Minister of National Defense Award at the 2024 KAIST-KNDU National Defense Academic Conference. Kyusoon Park (Army Major), who contributed to the study, emphasized that the project was driven by a mission to minimize the loss of human life in modern conflict. The study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF).