According to a new study published in the journal Bioactive Materials, the main cause of death for Americans between the ages of 1 and 46 is uncontrolled bleeding after traumatic injuries. Dr. Amir Sheikhi, an assistant professor of chemical and biomedical engineering at Penn State, has tried to change that by developing a new microneedle patch that can stop bleeding immediately after damage.

In his study, he pointed out that ready-to-use biomaterials that encourage quick blood coagulation are needed in medicine, yet the requirement is unfulfilled. He explained that the hemostatic microneedle can be used to halt bleeding immediately by applying it like a regular adhesive bandage. The patch′s surface is exposed to more blood due to the biocompatible and biodegradable microneedle arrays (MNAs), which can speed up the clotting process.

He further explained that the needles additionally strengthen the patch′s adhesive qualities through mechanical interlocking and aid in wound closure. According to Dr. Sheikhi, the modified MNAs reduced clotting time from 11.5 minutes to 1.3 minutes. In the clinical tests, the microneedle bandage reduced the bleeding by more than 90%.

The hydrogel technology currently utilized in hospitals to heal bleeding wounds can be compared to the MNA patch; however, hydrogel applications demand preparation and medical knowledge. Similar to an ordinary over-the-counter adhesive bandage, the microneedle patch is pre-engineered for fast application.

Additionally, the paper explained that microneedles are so small that they can be applied without causing any pain. At present, microneedles are used to transmit biologics, such as cells or medications, via the skin and for aesthetic procedures to stimulate collagen formation. 

(Source: https://theprint.in/health/novel-microneedle-bandage-could-save-lives-by-stopping-blood-loss-from-wounds/1337082/ )