IIT Kanpur Develops Sustainable Hemostatic Sponge for Rapid Bleeding Control

IIT Kanpur has developed a seagrass-based sponge designed to rapidly control bleeding in emergency situations. Check details here

IIT Kanpur Develops Sustainable Hemostatic Sponge

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) have made a significant breakthrough in emergency care with the development of a seagrass- and cellulose-based haemostatic sponge. Engineered to stop bleeding within a minute of application, this innovation has the potential to revolutionize trauma care in critical situations such as road accidents and severe injuries.

This innovation highlights IIT Kanpur’s dedication to developing affordable, locally sourced healthcare solutions tailored to India’s unique needs. With human trials set to begin soon, the goal is to bring this groundbreaking product to market at the earliest. By enhancing emergency healthcare and improving survival rates in critical situations, this pioneering solution aims to make life-saving treatment more accessible across the country.

Seagrass-Based Sponge

Crafted from red seagrass abundantly found along India’s coastlines, the sponge has undergone rigorous testing, demonstrating exceptional rapid clotting capability. Backed by three patents one with DRDO and two solely by IIT Kanpur this innovative solution stands out for its efficiency and accessibility, making it a vital tool for emergency responders.

Drawing inspiration from the moisture-absorbing properties of traditional sponges, this innovation accelerates clotting by extracting moisture from the injury site, reducing clotting time from eight minutes to just one. Its lightweight design and easy storage make it an essential addition to first-aid kits, ideal for emergencies such as road accidents, military operations, and situations with limited immediate medical care.

Prof. Vivek Verma of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, IIT Kanpur, explained, “This haemostatic sponge is the result of combining India’s natural resources with cutting-edge materials science. By using seagrass-derived agar and cellulose, we’ve developed a biodegradable, cost-effective solution that can save lives while supporting sustainable healthcare practices. It represents a significant step forward in improving emergency care, especially in areas where access to medical facilities is limited.”

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