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A New Gauze That Stops Bleeding in Minutes

Medical Research, Nanotechnology

Israel21c — Technology developed by nanomaterials chemist Dr. Shani Eliyahu-Gross, who earned her Ph.D. at BGU’s Department of Chemistry, has been commercialized to create WoundClot gauze. This new highly absorbent gauze, made from plant cells, absorbs 2,500 percent of its own weight in fluids and stops hemorrhaging in minutes.

“When exposed to liquids, this product starts to absorb an enormous amount of blood, and then transforms into a coagulating gel state,” explains Dr. Eliyahu-Gross, who is also chief scientific officer and senior vice president of Core Scientific Creations, the company behind WoundClot.

By absorbing blood and enhancing the natural clotting process, this unique gauze naturally dissolves — no need for painful removal — within 24 hours.

“We managed to create a ‘DNA clock’ that breaks down the product when we want it to and not because of saturation. Also, it is the only product of its kind we know of in the world today that doesn’t use compression,” says Yuval Yaskil, chief executive officer of Core Scientific Creations.

WoundClot has an obvious value in combat zones, where uncontrolled bleeding is the main cause of death. The product is also a solution when compression is not effective or even counterproductive, as in the case of stab wounds and other kinds of trauma.

The product could also become a staple of the home medicine cabinet. Because it can be folded or rolled into any shape, it can be applied to uneven surfaces like the nose.

The current WoundClot line includes products for surgical and trauma care and is being used in European hospitals and by American and Israeli first responders. Additionally, a version for dental use was recently released in the European market.

Read more on the Israel21c website >>