Scientists trained cells to stop bleeding almost instantly

Scientists from McGill University have proposed a new method of stopping bleeding within five seconds using modified erythrocytes — red blood cells. The results of the work were published in the journal Nature.

Normally, platelets are responsible for stopping bleeding by forming a clot — a thrombus. However, in the new technology, scientists utilized erythrocytes. These cells are more flexible, circulate in the blood longer, and penetrate damaged tissues more effectively.

To "glue" erythrocytes together, the researchers applied a method known as "click chemistry" — rapid chemical reactions that do not damage cells. Special molecules were attached to the erythrocyte membranes that instantly bond upon contact with polymer chains. As a result, a dense and elastic material resembling a gel is formed.

Laboratory tests showed that such artificial clots are 13 times more resistant to breakdown than natural thrombi. In experiments on rats with liver injuries, the new material stopped bleeding faster and more effectively than the gelatin-based medical sealants used today. Additionally, it caused a lesser inflammatory response.

"Clots formed in less than five seconds compared to 265 seconds in untreated rats, and blood loss was only 24 milligrams versus nearly 2,000 milligrams," the scientists specified.

The authors note that the development could be particularly valuable in emergency medicine — for example, in trauma cases and surgeries where rapid control of blood loss is critical.

Since the chemical reactions used have already been employed in other medical technologies and have demonstrated safety, the next stage will be testing on larger animals, followed by clinical trials involving humans.