Sticky Sponge That Works Even When Blood Won’t Clot

Scientists have engineered a new type of sponge that adheres strongly to wet tissue and halts bleeding, even when patients are on anticoagulants.

How It Works

• Coating: One side of a gelatin sponge is coated with a polymer called PANS, which contains NHS ester groups.
• Bonding: These groups form robust covalent and hydrogen bonds with blood proteins, the sponge itself, and surrounding tissue.
• Adhesion Strength: PANS pulls the sponge tightly against wet surfaces, achieving a lap‑shear strength of ~114 kPa—keeping the sponge in place during surgery.
• Blood Absorption: The sponge retains its porous structure, allowing rapid blood absorption.

Laboratory Results

• Animal Studies: In rats, the sponge stopped bleeding from liver cuts or arterial damage faster than standard commercial sponges.
• Anticoagulant Resilience: Effectiveness was maintained whether the animals had normal clotting or were given heparin.
• Safety Profile: Low cellular toxicity, minimal blood cell destruction, and no significant inflammation were observed under microscopy.

Clinical Implications

This technology offers a bleeding‑control method that does not depend on the body's natural clotting mechanisms. It could benefit surgeons treating internal injuries in patients who cannot rely on normal coagulation—such as those on anticoagulants or individuals injured in combat scenarios.