India-based lab gets a major grant to develop a graphene-based material that rapidly stops bleeding

Researchers from the CIIRC in India have reportedly received a large sum of money (Rs 30 crore – about $4.6 million) from Sringeri mutt for developing a graphene-based product that can stop bleeding in less than 90 seconds. The product could help soldiers in the field, as well as other applications.

The product is a carboxyl-linked graphene sponge (DAPGS), and is said to make use of amino acids and a biocompatible protein that have been extracted from a tree (bongamia tree) to also help prevent infection. But the unique feature of DAPGS, the team says, is not only that it inherits the remarkable liquid absorbability from the cross-linked graphene sponge, but also enhances the interfacial stimulating ability to blood cells. It can, in addition to absorbing plasma rapidly, stimulate erythrocytes and platelets to change their regular form and structure at the interface, which largely affects the bio-functioning of the cell, thus promoting blood coagulation.