This new technique uses chemically bonded red blood cells to create a clot that is 13 times more fracture-resistant than the body’s own.
Researchers from institutions in Canada and the US have developed engineered blood clots (EBCs) that form faster and are mechanically stronger than natural clots.
The technique, called "click clotting," uses red blood cells from the patient or a donor and chemically bonds them to create a robust gel known as a cytogel.
Stronger and Faster
In laboratory and rat model tests, the EBCs showed 13 times greater fracture resistance and four times higher adhesiveness than natural clots. No immune reaction or toxicity was observed in repairing injured rat livers.
Real-World Speed
The cytogel can be prepared in about 10 minutes using donor blood or 20 minutes using the patient's own blood.
Next Steps
The research, published in Nature, suggests potential applications in emergency care and wound management, though further testing in clinical settings is needed.