Hydrogel-Transformable Antioxidant Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid/Polyethyleneimine Hemostatic Powder for Efficient Wound...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Wound Healing Research
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Hemostatic powders are crucial for wound management due to their ability to absorb fluids and promote clotting.
• Existing hemostatic materials face limitations in efficacy and tissue interaction.
• Polypeptide-based materials offer tunable properties for advanced biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel polypeptide-based hemostatic powder.
• To evaluate the hemostatic efficacy and wound healing potential of the developed powder.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of action for the new hemostatic agent.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA)/polyethyleneimine (PEI) powder (PP hemostatic powder) via lyophilization.
• Inclusion of protocatechuic aldehyde for enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Assessment of hemostatic performance by measuring wound bleeding time compared to commercial chitosan powder.
• Evaluation of wound healing promotion and inflammation inhibition.

Main Results:

• The PP hemostatic powder significantly reduced wound bleeding time (1.8 ± 0.4 min) compared to chitosan powder (2.8 ± 0.4 min).
• The powder rapidly absorbs blood and interstitial fluid, concentrating coagulation factors to form a stable hydrogel.
• Incorporation of protocatechuic aldehyde conferred antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammation and promoting tissue repair.

Conclusions:

• The facilely prepared PP hemostatic powder exhibits excellent hemostatic capabilities and wound healing potential.
• This polypeptide-based hemostatic agent represents a promising advancement in wound care materials.
• The PP hemostatic powder is well-suited for broad clinical application in managing bleeding wounds.