An 'injectable bandage' could stop internal bleeding in just three minutes, new research suggests.Made
from compounds found in seaweed and gelling agents used in pastry
making, the minimally-invasive injection also contains clay, which
triggers blood cells to clot, a study found.
The
treatment, which is released over several days, also creates a 3D,
jelly-like substance that promotes healing of damaged tissue, the
research adds.
Study author Giriraj
Lokhande, from Texas A&M University, said: 'We found these
injectable bandages can show a prolonged release of therapeutics that
can be used to heal the wound.'
Internal
bleeding is a leading cause of death in war-related injuries or during
operations to open up blood vessels narrowed by plaque.
Triggers blood clotting in less than three minutes The
main substance in the injection is a red, edible seaweed, known as
gelatinous k-carrageenan, which is used a thickener in many foods.
Adding
clay to the substance forms a frame to the gel that effectively turns
it into an 'injectable bandage', according to the researchers.
When tested on animal and human tissue in the lab, the treatment triggered blood clotting in less than three minutes.It also significantly boosts tissue regeneration and wound healing.
In the future, the researchers hope the clay particles in the treatment will be able to deliver drugs to wound sites.It is unclear when the injectable bandage may be treated on human wounds outside the lab. The findings were published in the journal Acta Biomaterialia. (DAILY MAIL HEALTH)
