Researchers have developed a porous composite xerogel dressing incorporating silica nanoparticles and calcium that can help blood clot faster and provide relief from uncontrolled bleeding. The mixture has shown significant improvement in blood clotting rates compared to commercial dressings.
Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of traumatic deaths in accidents or injuries and during military or surgical operations. More than 40% of trauma deaths are caused by severe blood loss. The human body's natural defenses, which work through the use of commonly used cotton (gauze) or other similar first aid materials or reduction of blood flow to the injury site, formation of platelet clot plugs by fibrin activation and activation of other blood clotting pathways, are inadequate to stop severe bleeding. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved hemostatic materials to reduce blood loss.