Overview: A breakthrough in surgical bleeding management
Uncontrolled bleeding during surgery remains one of the most life‑threatening emergencies surgeons face, with internal organ injuries such as those to the liver or spleen presenting especially grave risks. In response, researchers at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) have developed a novel composite bioabsorbable hemostatic sponge designed to rapidly halt bleeding inside the body. This material blends mussel adhesive protein with decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) to offer both strong tissue adhesion and safe biodegradability, addressing two longstanding shortcomings of conventional hemostatic agents.
What makes this sponge different
Traditional hemostats often struggle to adhere firmly to the bleeding site or linger in the body, potentially triggering inflammation or requiring removal. The POSTECH team’s approach integrates mussel-inspired adhesive chemistry with a biocompatible ECM scaffold. When placed at a bleeding site, the sponge quickly absorbs blood, adheres tightly to tissues, and concentrates the body’s natural coagulation pathways. The result is faster hemostasis and reduced blood loss, even in challenging scenarios such as anticoagulated injuries.
Mechanism of action and tissue response
The composite sponge leverages calcium- and protein-rich cues from the dECM to activate intrinsic coagulation pathways while providing a physical matrix that traps platelets and blood cells at the wound site. The mussel adhesive component ensures robust anchoring to irregular tissue surfaces, which is crucial for injuries to solid organs where bleeding interfaces are uneven and dynamic. Once hemostasis is achieved, the sponge begins to biodegrade, and the exposed dECM continues to support tissue repair by guiding cell migration and matrix remodeling.
Preclinical performance: safety, adhesion, and speed
In a liver injury model simulating anticoagulation (warfarin-treated), the sponge demonstrated strong adherence to the injured surface and superior hemostatic performance. Bleeding time shortened markedly, and blood loss was significantly reduced compared with conventional materials. Importantly, the sponge elicited less inflammatory response and caused less tissue damage in the early healing phase, suggesting improved biocompatibility alongside rapid action. These findings indicate that the material can manage severe internal hemorrhage more reliably, potentially reducing the need for additional surgeries and accelerating recovery.
Clinical implications and potential impact
By combining firm tissue adhesion with safe, predictable biodegradation, this composite sponge addresses critical gaps in current hemostatic options. Its design aligns with the needs of complex surgeries where maintaining a clear operative field while minimizing tissue trauma is essential. If translated to clinical practice, the material could shorten operative times, decrease postoperative complications related to bleeding, and support faster patient recovery trajectories, particularly in cases involving liver, spleen, or other organ injuries.
Editorial notes and future directions
The study, led by Professor Hyung Joon Cha (Department of Chemical Engineering) and Professor Jinah Jang (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Convergence IT Engineering) at POSTECH, with graduate student Hyegyo Cha, was published online in Advanced Healthcare Materials. Funding support came from the National Research Foundation of Korea (Ministry of Science and ICT) and the Alchemist Project (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy). The research team emphasizes that the composite sponge represents a new paradigm for safe and effective internal hemorrhage control, combining rapid action with natural tissue healing to improve patient outcomes.
About the researchers and collaborators
Professor Cha and Professor Jang spearheaded the project, bringing together chemical engineering expertise with mechanical engineering insights to create a practical, biodegradable hemostatic solution. The interdisciplinary collaboration underscores the importance of materials science in advancing surgical care and patient safety.
