The problem with bandages is that they often stick to the wound after getting soaked with blood, which can lead to secondary bleeding once they’re painfully removed. That’s why it’s good news that scientists from Zurich have come up with a new kind of bandage that can stop bleeding without actually sticking to the wound.
At first, the researchers were studying coatings for devices that come into contact with blood, such as heart-lung machines or artificial heart devices. One of the materials they tested demonstrated some unexpected properties: not only did it repel blood, but it also aided the clotting process. Although this made the material unsuitable for use as a coating for blood pumps and related devices, the researchers quickly realized that it would work ideally as a bandage.
Now they have a two-in-one bandage that can repel blood and achieve fast clotting. By repelling the blood, the bandage doesn’t stick to the wound, which means there won’t be any secondary bleeding when bandages are pulled off.
