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Published on: June 8, 2016
A Biodegradable Hemostatic Gelatin/Polycaprolactone Composite for Surgical Hemostasis
Niann-Tzyy Dai1, Keng-Yen Fu, Pai-Shan Hsieh
1From the *Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center; †Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University; and ‡Department of Orthopedics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
New gelatin/polycaprolactone (GP) composites show promise as biodegradable hemostatic agents. These materials offer superior biocompatibility and hemostasis compared to gauze, with effects comparable to existing agents.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Massive bleeding is a leading cause of death in trauma cases.
- Effective hemostatic dressings are crucial for managing severe wounds.
- Current hemostatic agents present challenges in rapid and effective bleeding control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate novel gelatin/polycaprolactone (GP) composites as potential hemostatic agents.
- To assess the biocompatibility and hemostatic efficacy of two GP composite ratios (1:1 and 2:1).
- To compare the performance of GP composites against existing hemostatic materials like gauze and Quikclot.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of gelatin/polycaprolactone composites (GP11 and GP21) at 1:1 and 2:1 ratios.
- Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology.
- In vitro assays including contact angle, blood plasma coagulation (PT, aPTT), and platelet adsorption.
- In vivo coagulation tests to measure bleeding time.
Main Results:
- GP11 exhibited a rougher, more porous structure than GP21.
- Both composites demonstrated good biocompatibility, similar to tissue culture polystyrene.
- GP composites showed a decrease in contact angle over time.
- GP composites exhibited longer prothrombin times but shorter activated partial thromboplastin times (GP11) compared to controls.
- GP11 showed the highest platelet adsorption; in vivo tests indicated shortened bleeding times for GP21 and Quikclot.
Conclusions:
- Gelatin/polycaprolactone composites offer superior biocompatibility and hemostasis compared to traditional gauze.
- The GP composites demonstrate hemostatic effects comparable to the Quikclot composite.
- These novel GP composites hold significant potential for development as biodegradable surgical hemostatic agents.
