Artificial Platelets Speed Clotting, Save Lives

Jul-01-14 Researchers have created an artificial platelet that could help save the lives of trauma victims by causing the blood to clot faster, naturally.

The "hemostatic nanoparticles" were developed by a team from Case Westen Reserve University using short polymer chains that have been approved by the USFDA for other uses. According to team leader Erin Lavik, the design is quite simple, made up of "spheres with arms of peptides that react with activated blood platelets in damaged tissues to help clots form more quickly." The platelets do not need to be refrigerated, enabling them to be used in the field, and are safer and less expensive than current options.

Internal trauma caused by explosions is the leading cause of combat deaths, and similar uncontrolled bleeding from accidents such as falls or collisions is the leading cause of death for victims between 5 and 44 in the U.S.

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[PHYS.ORG]
[PNAS.ORG]

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