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Design and Fabrication of an Elastomeric Unit for Soft Modular Robots in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Published on: November 14, 2015
On the development of modular polyurethane-based bioelastomers for rapid hemostasis and wound healing
Wanxin Guo1, Binan Zhao2, Muhammad Shafiq3
1State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Songjiang, Shanghai 201620, P.R. China.
New bio-elastomer sponges, specifically Polyurethane-Tannic acid/Gelatin (PU-TA/Gel), show high hemostatic efficiency and promote wound healing. These advanced materials offer a promising alternative for managing bleeding and aiding tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Hemostasis Research
Background:
- Massive hemorrhage poses significant risks, requiring advanced hemostatic materials.
- Existing treatments necessitate improvements in efficiency and biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate various bio-elastomers as effective hemostatic dressings.
- To investigate the potential of Polyurethane-Tannic acid/Gelatin (PU-TA/Gel) nanofiber sponges.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and electrospinning of Polyurethane (PU) into porous sponges.
- Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GA) and characterization using FTIR and 1H-NMR.
- Assessment of porosity, water absorption, cytocompatibility, hemolysis, and clotting time.
Main Results:
- PU-TA/Gel sponges demonstrated superior porosity and water absorption.
- These sponges exhibited excellent cytocompatibility, minimal hemolysis, and rapid blood clotting.
- In vivo studies showed reduced bleeding in a rat liver injury model and enhanced skin regeneration.
Conclusions:
- PU-TA/Gel sponges offer a promising platform for effective hemostasis.
- These materials support wound healing and tissue regeneration.
- They represent a potential alternative for clinical applications in bleeding control and wound care.

