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MIT Engineers Develop Sprayable Powder to Stop Severe Bleeding

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 20:33 GMT by earth
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Cambridge, MA - February 11, 2026 - A groundbreaking advancement in trauma care has emerged from MIT, with engineers developing a sprayable powder capable of halting severe bleeding in a matter of seconds. This innovative technology, detailed in a recent publication in Science Translational Medicine (https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/16/644/644ra100), holds the potential to dramatically improve survival rates in both civilian and military emergency scenarios.

Uncontrolled bleeding remains a leading cause of preventable death, accounting for a significant portion of fatalities in trauma situations. Current methods of hemorrhage control, such as tourniquets and direct pressure, can be time-consuming to apply effectively and may not always be sufficient for severe injuries, especially in difficult-to-reach locations. This new sprayable powder offers a potentially faster, simpler, and more effective solution.

The powder, comprised of sulfhydryl-modified chitosan - a naturally occurring biopolymer derived from crustacean shells - functions through a unique mechanism. Upon contact with blood, the powder rapidly absorbs the fluid and expands, creating a robust, gel-like plug that seals the wound. This expansion and gelation process occurs remarkably quickly, with trials demonstrating bleeding cessation in under 60 seconds in both human and porcine tissue.

"The speed at which this powder works is the real game-changer," explains Giovanni Traverso, a research affiliate at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and a senior author of the study. "Existing methods can be limited by application time and the severity of the injury. This powder essentially works with the body's natural clotting mechanisms, amplifying the process and providing immediate control."

One of the key advantages of this new technology is its bioresorbable nature. Unlike some conventional wound-closing materials that require surgical removal, the chitosan-based powder is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body, eliminating a potentially painful and complicated secondary procedure. This is particularly crucial in battlefield settings or remote locations where access to advanced medical care is limited.

The development process wasn't without its challenges. Researchers focused on optimizing the particle size and chemical modification of the chitosan to ensure rapid absorption and gelation. Achieving the right balance between expansion rate, adhesive strength, and biocompatibility proved critical. Furthermore, scaling up production to meet potential demand presented logistical hurdles.

Beyond Trauma: Expanding Applications on the Horizon

While initially designed for severe traumatic injuries, researchers are actively exploring the potential of this sprayable powder in a wider range of medical applications. Gastrointestinal bleeding, a frequent complication in various medical conditions, is a prime target. The powder's ability to quickly seal internal wounds could offer a life-saving intervention for patients experiencing internal hemorrhaging.

"We are also investigating its use in surgical procedures, potentially as a hemostatic agent to control bleeding during complex operations," says Dr. Eleanor Vance, a trauma surgeon unaffiliated with the MIT study, but following the research closely. "The powder's ease of application and bioresorbable properties make it an attractive alternative to traditional hemostatic materials."

Deployment and Accessibility

The research team is collaborating with several organizations, including the Department of Defense and various emergency medical services, to facilitate the rapid deployment of this technology. The goal is to make the sprayable powder readily available to first responders, military personnel, and paramedics, equipping them with a crucial tool to combat life-threatening bleeding. A portable, easy-to-use applicator is currently in development, designed for quick and efficient deployment in the field.

The initial focus will be on equipping frontline medical personnel with the powder, followed by broader distribution to hospitals and emergency rooms. Training programs are also being developed to ensure proper application and maximize the effectiveness of the technology. While regulatory hurdles remain, the team is optimistic that the powder will receive expedited approval given its potential to save lives.

The development of this sprayable powder represents a significant leap forward in emergency medical technology. It is a testament to the power of innovative engineering and the ongoing pursuit of solutions to address critical medical challenges. As the technology matures and becomes more widely available, it promises to transform the landscape of trauma care and significantly improve outcomes for patients experiencing severe bleeding.