Natural Bletilla striata Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Accelerating Hemostasis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Existing hydrogel dressings often lack mechanical strength, biological activity, or compatibility.
• There is a critical need for rapid, green, and cost-effective hydrogel development for biochemical and biomedical applications.
• Natural polysaccharides offer inherent bioactivity, water retention, and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare self-healing, hemostatic hydrogels using natural polysaccharides.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and hemostatic efficacy of the developed hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogels were synthesized using Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), and borax via borate ester linkages.
• Rheological properties were analyzed using a rotational rheometer.
• Biocompatibility was assessed through cell viability and hemolysis assays.
• Hemostatic performance was evaluated using in vitro coagulation tests and an in vivo mouse tail amputation model.

Main Results:

• The hydrogels exhibited a robust internal structure, with elastic modulus (G') significantly exceeding viscous modulus (G″) across all tested concentrations (2.5%, 3.0%, 4.0%).
• All hydrogels demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with 100% cell viability and hemolysis rates below 1%.
• The hydrogels showed superior hemostatic capabilities in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized Chinese herbal medicine hydrogels possess excellent self-healing properties.
• These hydrogels exhibit good biocompatibility and significant hemostatic performance.
• This study presents a potential green hydrogel for hemostatic applications.