Hemostatic, Tissue-Adhesive Colloidal Wound Dressing Functionalized by UV Irradiation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Topical hemostatic agents are crucial for managing intraoperative and postoperative bleeding.
• Current agents often lack sufficient tissue adhesiveness in wet surgical environments, hindering combined hemostasis and wound healing.
• There is a need for advanced wound dressings that provide both effective hemostasis and promote tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel colloidal wound dressing using hydrophobized microparticles (hMPs) with enhanced hemostatic and tissue-adhesive properties.
• To evaluate the hemostatic efficacy and tissue adhesion of UV-functionalized hMPs in a preclinical model.
• To assess the potential of hMPs as a multifunctional wound dressing for promoting tissue regeneration and preventing postoperative adhesions.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of hydrophobized microparticles (hMPs) from Alaska pollock gelatin via hydrophobization and thermal cross-linking.
• Functionalization of hMPs using UV irradiation to introduce hydrophilic groups, enhancing water/blood absorption.
• Evaluation of hemostatic properties and tissue adhesiveness in a rat liver injury model.
• Assessment of adhesion to non-target tissues after swelling.

Main Results:

• UV-irradiated hMPs demonstrated improved water and blood absorption capabilities.
• The hMPs exhibited significant hemostatic properties in a rat liver injury model.
• Crucially, hMPs maintained strong tissue adhesiveness post-UV irradiation due to hydrophobic interactions.
• The material showed no undesirable adhesion to other tissues upon swelling, ensuring localized action.

Conclusions:

• The developed colloidal wound dressing of UV-functionalized hMPs offers a promising solution for effective intraoperative hemostasis.
• These hMPs provide sustained tissue adhesion and promote wound healing by facilitating hemostasis and protecting against postoperative adhesions.
• This novel biomaterial holds potential for advancing surgical wound management and regenerative therapies.