Choline phosphate functionalized cellulose membrane: A potential hemostatic dressing based on a unique bioadhesion...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Wound dressings are crucial for bleeding control and healing.
• Electrostatic interactions are key for absorbent dressing adhesion.
• Uncontrolled bleeding significantly impacts patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biocompatible cellulose membrane functionalized with choline phosphate for potential wound dressing applications.
• To investigate the bioadhesion mechanism based on multivalent electrostatic interactions between cell membranes and the functionalized cellulose.
• To establish a novel atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based method for evaluating polymer brush parameters on rough surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of cellulose membranes with polymer brushes bearing choline phosphate groups via atom transfer radical polymerization and click chemistry.
• Characterization using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).
• Quantification of polymer brush molecular weight and grafting density using AFM force-distance measurements.

Main Results:

• Modified cellulose membranes demonstrated efficient binding of human red blood cells (RBCs).
• The binding affinity correlated with the density and molecular weight of choline phosphate groups.
• AFM provided a new method to estimate polymer brush parameters on rough surfaces.
• Scanning electron microscopy revealed RBCs forming pseudopodia-like projections upon contact, indicating strong multivalent interactions.

Conclusions:

• The choline phosphate-functionalized cellulose membrane shows significant potential as an advanced wound dressing material.
• The developed AFM approach offers a versatile tool for characterizing polymer brushes on complex surfaces.
• This strategy presents a promising avenue for blood conservation and improved trauma management.