Quaternary Ammonium Groups Modified Starch Microspheres for Instant Hemorrhage Control

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Hemostasis Research
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Current hemostatic agents face challenges including inefficiency, non-degradability, high cost, and safety concerns.
• There is a critical need for hemostatic agents that provide rapid action, biodegradability, and improved biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel cationic modified starch microspheres (CS) as an advanced hemostatic agent.
• To investigate the physical and chemical mechanisms underlying the hemostatic efficacy of CS.

Main Methods:

• Development of CS via enzymatic hydrolysis and etherification with quaternary ammonium groups.
• Characterization of CS properties, including zeta potential, viscosity, water absorption, and swelling capacity.
• In vitro coagulation studies and in vivo evaluation using a rabbit liver injury model.

Main Results:

• Successful grafting of quaternary ammonium groups onto starch microspheres, increasing zeta potential and viscosity.
• CS demonstrated enhanced physical hemostatic efficacy through rapid water absorption and high swelling capacity.
• In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed CS's potent hemostatic capacity via synergistic physical absorption and chemical activation of coagulation.

Conclusions:

• Cationic modified starch microspheres exhibit significantly improved hemostatic performance compared to unmodified starch.
• The developed CS is a promising, biodegradable hemostatic agent for achieving instant rapid hemostasis.
• This novel material addresses limitations of current hemostatic agents, offering a safer and more effective alternative.