The Review 2007

18 19 Surprise Finding Could Save Lives A serendipitous finding by researchers trying to promote the re-growth of brain cells has led to the discovery of a material that could significantly reduce bleeding in all tissues. Surgeons typically spend as much as 50 per cent of operating time controlling bleeding, but this substance stopped bleeding within 15 seconds. It holds promise for shortened operating times, a clearer field of vision for surgeons and fewer complications for patients due to blood loss. The team of scientists from the University’s De- partment of Anatomy, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, accidentally stumbled on the application while using the substance to promote brain cell regeneration in rodents in 2005. The synthetic clear liquid is composed of protein fragments called peptides that self-assemble on open wounds to form a protective barrier gel that seals the wound and halts bleeding. The substance is biodegradable within three to four weeks and can be excreted in urine or used by surround- ing cells as building blocks for tissue repair. No harm was detected to nearby cells and no clotting was involved, although researchers are still trying to determine the mech- anism that stops the bleeding. The scientists, led by Professor So Kwok-fai and Dr Rutledge Ellis-Behnke, tested the substance on several types of tissues in hamsters and rats and were able to replicate the results, which were published in the international journal Nanomedicine in autumn 2006 and reported in other academic journals and mainstream media. The next step is to manufacture the material at a higher purity level and move towards clinical trials within three years. They expect the substance to be especially useful in emergency operations where bleeding is uncon- trolled, such as accidents and on the battlefield, and in cases where many small arteries or blood vessels are involved, such as procedures on the liver or brain. They expect the substance to be especially useful in emergency operations where bleeding is uncontrolled, such as accidents and on the battlefield. Professor So Kwok-fai (left) and Dr Rutledge Ellis-Behnke