Extraterrestrial regolith is hemostatic and potentially suitable for hemorrhage control in space

Background Long-duration space missions beyond low Earth orbit pose increased risks of injuries to astronauts. Traumatic hemorrhage will be a cause of preventable death. Due to payload constraints, in situ production of medical materials is essential. Regolith from the Moon, Mars and asteroids is rich in silicates which may serve as a hemostatic agent. Objectives Here, we aim to evaluate whether extraterrestrial regolith simulants (ETRS), their mineral components, and meteorites can activate coagulation through coagulation factor XII (FXII), and control bleeding. Methods The procoagulant potential of Lunar and Martian regolith simulants, their component silicate minerals, and meteorite samples were assessed in vitro. Plasma clotting turbidity, thrombin generation and FXIIa chromogenic assays were performed using either normal or FXII-inhibited/immunodepleted human plasma. Zeta potential and silicon dioxide content were also plotted against the time to fibrin clot formation. In vivo efficacy of CSM-LHT-1 (Lunar), CSM-MGS-1C (Martian), and NWA-869 chondritic meteorite were assessed in a pilot study using a porcine model of penetrating hemorrhage. Results All ETRS samples accelerated clotting, thrombin generation and FXII activation in normal plasma with reduced effects in either FXII-immunodepleted or -inhibited plasma. Phyllosilicates showed greater procoagulant activity than framework silicates. In vivo, wounds treated with regolith remained clotted longer and lost less blood compared to gauze alone, with NWA-869 chondrite meteorite significantly improving clotting and blood loss. Conclusions Extraterrestrial regolith activated coagulation in a FXII-dependent manner and reduced blood loss in a trauma model of penetrating hemorrhage. This suggests extraterrestrial regolith may be used as a hemostatic agent during space missions.