Biodegradable Gelatin-Carrageenan Sponges: High-Potential Functional Nasal Packs for Efficient Secretome Delivery

Nasal packing is a critical procedure in postoperative care and trauma management aimed at controlling bleeding, providing structural support, and promoting tissue healing. However, conventional nasal packs often lead to discomfort, infection risks, and secondary tissue damage. To address these challenges, this study explores the potential use of biodegradable and biocompatible gelatin-carrageenan composite scaffolds as an alternative nasal packing material. Five compositions of gelatin-carrageenan scaffolds (ratios 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10) were fabricated and evaluated for physicochemical properties, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility. Results suggest that balanced ratios, such as 7:3 and 5:5, may provide a combination of structural integrity, improved biocompatibility, and controlled degradation, making them a potential candidate for nasal packing applications. The scaffolds exhibited low cytotoxicity and reasonable blood compatibility, which could reduce the risks associated with conventional materials. While these findings are promising, further in vivo studies are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of these scaffolds in clinical settings. If proven effective, gelatin-carrageenan scaffolds may help address some of the limitations of conventional nasal packing materials and improve postoperative care outcomes.