In order to help soldiers injured on theĀ battlefield, a two-member research team in Bengaluru has developed a product they claim will be able to arrest bleeding in 90 seconds flat.
M S Santosh and Divakara M B have applied for a patent for a sponge they have dubbedĀ DAPGS (carboxyl-linked graphene sponge).
Image for representation. Photo source: Pixabay
The duo, from theĀ Centre for Incubation, Innovation, Research and Consultancy (CIIRC) at Jyothi Institute of Technology, were primarily motivated with trying to help Indian soldiers. However, the sponge can be used in practically any medical emergency.
M S Santosh spoke to theĀ Times of India, talking about the kind of real-world applications of DAPGS. āOn a battleground, letās say a medic locates a wounded soldier soaked in blood. This hypothetical situation is exactly what we sought to deal with and provide a solution for.ā
The sponge is made up of cross-linked graphene material that can arrest bleeding because it boasts super absorbent properties. It also contains a medical amino acid and a biocompatible proteinĀ that keeps the injured region from getting any infections.
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They see a lot of potential in their innovation as apart from being able to do its intended job quickly, it is also cost efficient. Given that graphene and amino acid are relatively inexpensive, they note that this product could be far cheaper than similar products in the market.
While DAPGS is still being developed, the duo isĀ looking towards getting funding toĀ expand operations as well as increase reach.