Scientists from Dalhousie University, led by Dr. Mark Joseph Filiaggi, investigated the sodium polyphosphate (NaPP) polymer as a potential hemostatic agent. They tested six formulations of the biomaterial, with varying degrees of polymerization and types of divalent cations. The hemostatic potential of these formulations was evaluated using various blood clotting assays. The biomaterial was mixed with coagulation reagents and recalcified blood or plasma in a tube, which was then shaken to visually assess blood or plasma flow. The clotting time was noted as the time required to achieve no flow. Surgifoam®, a commercial hemostatic agent, was used as a control.