Every year about 1.5 million people die due to hemorrhages, often internal and caused by severe trauma, writes focus.it.

Many patients die within the first two hours, making immediate intervention vital.

If traditional bandages are effective for superficial wounds, they have no effect on hidden bleeding.

The solution may come from Texas A&M University: synthetic clay-based injectable bandages, the subject of studies published in the journals “Advanced Science” and “Advanced Functional Materials”.

From ancient Egypt to nanotechnology: the secret of clay

Clay is a simple material, used since ancient times in China, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Greece and Rome, where it was mixed with water to create a paste that was placed on wounds to prevent bleeding.

Some natural clay minerals contain silicate-based particles that can speed up blood clotting.

The first type of injectable bandage combines silicate nanoparticles with a foam that reacts to body temperature: once injected into the wound, the compound expands, closing the blood vessels and keeping the nanoparticles that help clotting in place.

The second approach uses strip-like structures coated with nanosilicates.

Each strip consists of two different materials, where only one reacts to body temperature: in contact with the patient, the strip twists.

Many strips twisting simultaneously form a compact structure, similar to a foam.

Very fast clotting in less than 120 seconds

The results are promising: bandages injectables reduce bleeding time by almost 70%, clotting blood in 1–2 minutes (compared to the usual 6–7 minutes). The researchers’ idea is to create a simple-to-use device that can help the injured immediately after the trauma.

“If these materials were included in the first aid kits of ambulances and in the bags of soldiers, they could save many lives”, concludes researcher Akhilesh Gaharwar.

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Source: prizrenpost