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Biocompatible Hemostatic Sponge Exhibiting Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Activity.
Brinta Bhattacharjee1, Riya Mukherjee1, Jayanta Haldar1,2
1Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru 560064, Karnataka, India.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|July 8, 2022
Summary
A new Hemobac sponge made from gelatin and chitosan nanocomposite effectively stops bleeding and eliminates bacteria. This innovative material offers improved hemostasis and antibacterial properties for wound treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hemorrhage and bacterial infections pose significant mortality risks, necessitating advanced wound care materials.
- Current treatments often lack combined hemostatic and potent antibacterial capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel hemostatic sponge (Hemobac) with combined antibacterial properties.
- To address the urgent need for effective pretreatment materials in trauma and surgical settings.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of the Hemobac sponge via amide crosslinking of gelatin and N-(2-hydroxy) propyl-3-trimethylammonium chitosan (HTCC)-silver chloride nanocomposite (QAm1-Ag0.1).
- Assessment of antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Evaluation of hemostatic properties using SEM imaging, blood-clotting index, and in vivo animal models (liver puncture and femoral vein injury).
- Biocompatibility testing including hemolytic activity and mammalian cell morphology assessment, alongside histopathology for immune response analysis.
Main Results:
- Hemobac demonstrated complete eradication of diverse bacterial strains within 6 hours (∼4-5 log reduction).
- SEM images confirmed blood cell agglomeration on the sponge, with a low blood-clotting index (∼23 ± 1).
- Significant reduction in blood loss (∼70-80%) observed in vivo compared to a commercial sponge.
- Negligible hemolytic activity (∼6%) and healthy mammalian cell morphology maintained; minimal immune response detected.
Conclusions:
- The developed Hemobac sponge exhibits potent antibacterial activity and superior hemostatic capabilities.
- Its biocompatibility and efficacy in reducing blood loss and combating infection highlight its potential as an advanced wound care solution.
- Hemobac offers a promising dual-action material for immediate application in managing traumatic injuries and surgical bleeding complicated by infection.
