Vasoconstrictor and coagulation activator entrapped chitosan based composite hydrogel for rapid bleeding control

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Hemostasis Research
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Chitosan (Cs) is recognized for its hemostatic properties.
• Enhancing chitosan's efficacy for hemorrhage control is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable composite hydrogel with improved hemostatic capabilities.
• To evaluate the hemostatic performance and biocompatibility of a novel chitosan-based formulation.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of a 2% chitosan hydrogel incorporating 0.25% potassium aluminum sulfate (PA) and 0.25% calcium chloride (Ca).
• Assessment of the composite hydrogel's injectability, shear-thinning behavior, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility.
• In vivo evaluation using rat liver and femoral artery hemorrhage models.
• Comparison with commercial hemostatic agents like Fibrin sealant and FloSeal.

Main Results:

• The 2%Cs-0.25%PA-0.25%Ca composite hydrogel demonstrated rapid blood clotting by promoting RBC/platelet aggregation and activating the coagulation cascade.
• In vivo studies showed significantly faster hemostasis (20 ± 10 s, 105 ± 31 s) compared to Fibrin sealant and FloSeal.
• The hydrogel exhibited good hemocompatibility and injectability.
• In vivo toxicological studies indicated material retention for up to 8 weeks, suggesting the need for irrigation of excess material.

Conclusions:

• The developed chitosan composite hydrogel possesses enhanced hemostatic properties.
• This formulation shows potential as an effective agent for controlling low-pressure bleeding.
• Further research may be needed to optimize application protocols regarding material retention.