Scientists have developed engineered blood clots, called EBCs, that can stop severe bleeding in seconds. Created via a technique called "click clotting" using patient or donor blood, these super-clots are designed as emergency patches for surgeries and accidents.
The team, from institutions across Canada and the US, strengthened bonds between red blood cells using microscopic chemical reactions. The resulting gel, a cytogel, proved 13 times more resistant to fracturing and four times more adhesive than natural clots. In rat models, it successfully repaired injured livers without immune reaction or toxicity.
While only tested in rats so far, the EBCs can be prepared in 10 to 20 minutes. Researchers say they could help those with blood-clotting disorders and those on blood thinners. The next steps involve fine-tuning the clots for different scenarios, including high-pressure arterial bleeding.