Development of carboxymethyl cellulose nonwoven sheet as a novel hemostatic agent

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a plant-derived material that has high biocompatibility and water solubility. We developed a CMC nonwoven sheet as a hemostatic agent by carboxymethylating a continuous filament cellulose nonwoven sheet. The CMC nonwoven sheet was able to absorb water and dissolve in it. The rates of absorption and dissolution depended on the degree of carboxymethylation. After dissolving in blood, CMC accelerated clot development (possibly owing to the incorporation of CMC into fibrin fibers) and increased the viscosity of the blood, both of which would contribute to the improved blood clotting of an injured surface. In vivo experiments using a rat tail cutting method showed that a CMC nonwoven sheet shortened the bleeding time of the tail when applied to the cut surface. The hemostatic effect of the CMC nonwoven sheet was almost at the same level as a commercial hemostatic bandage. These results suggest that a CMC nonwoven sheet could be used as a novel sheet-type hemostatic agent.