Non-Covalent Cross-Linking Hydrogel: A New Method for Visceral Hemostasis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Excessive blood loss can cause severe pathological conditions, including tissue necrosis, organ failure, and death.
• Current hemostatic agents have limitations such as poor mechanical strength, inadequate adhesion to wet tissues, and insufficient hemostatic efficacy, hindering their use in controlling visceral bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel hydrogel based on collagen and tannic acid (TA) for effective visceral hemostasis.
• To optimize the hydrogel's composition for enhanced mechanical properties, adhesion, and coagulation capabilities.

Main Methods:

• A novel hydrogel (CT) was synthesized using collagen and tannic acid (TA).
• The proportions of collagen and TA were varied to optimize mechanical properties, adhesion, and coagulation ability.
• The hydrogel's hemostatic performance was assessed in rat hepatic and cardiac bleeding models, comparing it to commercial hydrogels.

Main Results:

• The novel CT hydrogel demonstrated reduced blood loss and significantly shorter hemostatic times in animal models compared to commercial hydrogels.
• The hydrogel exhibited excellent hemostatic properties and facilitated wound closure in moist environments.
• The non-covalent bonding between TA and collagen ensured biodegradability without impeding subsequent tissue repair.

Conclusions:

• The developed collagen-tannic acid hydrogel presents a promising new strategy for visceral hemostasis, offering advantages in treating acute wounds and controlling major bleeding.
• Its simple and efficient production method facilitates potential clinical translation.
• The hydrogel's properties address limitations of existing hemostatic approaches, paving the way for improved patient outcomes.