'Life-Saving': IIT Kanpur Scientists Say Their Medical Innovation Stops Bleeding In Less Than A Minute
This cutting-edge haemostatic dressing, already boasting three patents (one with DRDO and two solely by IIT Kanpur), is set to transform trauma care and emergency medicine.
Imagine a ‘magical’ dressing that can stop bleeding in less than a minute, initiate rapid clotting, enhance platelet activation and adhesion, and heal wounds faster. What seemed like a life-saving gadget from a Hollywood sci-fi movie is now a groundbreaking medical innovation developed by IIT Kanpur.
This cutting-edge haemostatic dressing, already boasting three patents (one with DRDO and two solely by IIT Kanpur), is set to transform trauma care and emergency medicine. Professor Vivek Verma, who led the innovation at IIT Kanpur, shared the journey and the utility of this life-saving breakthrough in an interview with News18.
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The Innovation: A Sponge That Stops Bleeding in Seconds
Researchers at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur have developed this revolutionary haemostatic dressing. It is a biodegradable cryogel-based sponge made from agarose (a polymer derived from red seagrass) and polydopamine (PDA), which mimics the adhesive properties of mussels. This bioinspired combination quickly initiates blood clotting at wound sites and absorbs large volumes of blood, helping prevent death from hemorrhage. The innovation, a blend of traditional Indian materials and modern science, has already secured three patents – one with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and two solely by IIT Kanpur.
The Journey
The journey began when Professor Vivek Verma, a leading researcher in materials science at IIT Kanpur, collaborated with his student Dr Kaushal R Shakya. Driven by a vision to create an affordable, fast-acting solution to combat hemorrhage – a leading cause of preventable death in trauma cases – they drew inspiration from nature’s design and India’s indigenous resources. They explored bioinspired materials that could accelerate clotting and support healing, leading them to marine organisms like mussels and red algae. The adhesive and gel-forming properties of these organisms laid the foundation for the sponge. Verma and Shakya worked tirelessly in the lab with agarose and polydopamine, mimicking the sticky proteins found in mussels. After months of experimentation and iteration, they developed a sponge that not only stops bleeding in seconds but also supports healing and biodegradation. This academic challenge evolved into a mission to deliver a life-saving tool that could transform trauma care in India and beyond.
Confluence of Traditional Indian Materials and Modern Science
Professor Verma explained that the sponge is a blend of traditional Indian materials and modern science. “This haemostatic sponge combines 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," he said.
He added that the dressing is not only fast-acting but also therapeutic, saying, “Our cryogel dressing doesn’t just stop bleeding; it has antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and promote faster healing. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and ideal for use in ambulances, field kits, and remote locations."
Rapid Response to Trauma
In trials, the sponge showed clotting within 30 to 90 seconds and absorbed over 90 per cent of the blood within moments. “With a swelling capacity exceeding 4000 per cent, it expands on contact with moisture, concentrating platelets and accelerating clot formation. It has been successfully tested in rat trauma models such as tail amputation and liver puncture, stopping bleeding in just 40-53 seconds with minimal blood loss," said Professor Verma.
On the manufacturing side, Professor Verma noted that the fabrication process is scalable and inexpensive, allowing for widespread production and deployment, especially in resource-constrained environments.
Why This Matters
This innovation is crucial in a world where excessive bleeding remains one of the leading causes of preventable death, particularly in trauma situations like road accidents, military operations, and natural disasters. While other haemostatic dressings are available, none are as efficient as the cryogel-based sponge from IIT Kanpur. “Our sponge addresses these shortcomings by delivering rapid and effective hemostasis using safe, biodegradable materials that are both affordable and accessible. Its antioxidant properties reduce the risk of infection and inflammation, and its ease of use means it can be applied without specialised training," Verma said.
Field-Ready and Future-Focused
The IIT Kanpur sponge, with its soft, porous structure and exceptional absorbency, is designed for field deployment. “It is especially suitable for trauma care, emergency medical services, surgical procedures, and battlefield conditions. Its lightweight and compact form make it easy to store and carry, allowing it to be included in paramedic kits, military backpacks, ambulances, and disaster relief supplies. In remote and rural health setups, where access to surgical tools may be limited, the sponge offers a reliable alternative for bleeding control," said Verma.
Looking ahead, the team is working closely with doctors to evolve the product based on their needs and requirements. They are preparing other generations of the dressing, including an injectable form, which is another revolutionary product. Human trials are set to begin soon.
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