Researchers have created a ‘super glue’ that is able to stop the bleeding of wounds.

Acting as a tissue sealant, this glue contains a somewhat unlikely ingredient – snake venom.

According to an article on Western News, a group of researchers from the University of Western Ontario, the University of Manitoba and Army Medical University of Chongqing in China have included batroxobin as one of the ingredients for the glue. This is an enzyme taken from the venom of lancehead snakes which they then added to a modified gelatin.

The study showed that during tests performed by the team, deep skin cuts on rats were able to be sutured in the space of just 45 seconds thanks to the glue. In addition, blood loss was reduced by approximately 78 percent.

“We envision that this tissue ‘super glue’ will be used in saving lives on the battlefield, or other accidental traumas like car crashes. The applicator easily fits in first aid kits too,” said Kibret Mequanint, who is one of the lead authors of the study.

“The next phase of study which is underway is to translate the tissue ‘super glue’ discovery to the clinic.”