Shape adaptive bacterial cellulose-based sponge for hemostasis applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Hemostasis

Background:

• Current hemostatic agents like oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) and gelatin sponges have limitations, including high acidity inhibiting healing and poor mechanical stability.
• There is a need for advanced hemostatic materials that are effective, biocompatible, and produced through cost-efficient methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel polysaccharide-based hemostatic sponge with improved properties.
• To engineer a material that overcomes the limitations of existing hemostats, promoting effective blood clot formation and healing.

Main Methods:

• A novel sponge was synthesized using oxidized bacterial cellulose (OBC), low-acyl gellan gum (LG), and hyaluronic acid (HA).
• Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was grafted onto the OBC/LG/HA sponge to control and reduce its acidity.
• The PAA-grafted sponge's hemostatic efficacy, biocompatibility, and degradability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The developed OBC/LG/HA sponge demonstrated flexibility, shape adaptability, and structural integrity.
• The PAA-grafted sponge exhibited low acidity, promoting effective blood coagulation and stable clot formation.
• Blood clots formed on the PAA-grafted sponge showed intact fibrin networks and preserved red blood cells, unlike ORC-based products.
• Biocompatibility and degradability tests confirmed the sponge is non-toxic and potentially biodegradable.

Conclusions:

• The PAA-grafted OBC/LG/HA sponge represents a promising new hemostatic material with enhanced performance and biocompatibility.
• This novel biomaterial addresses the limitations of current hemostats, offering a potentially superior option for surgical and medical applications.
• The developed sponge facilitates effective hemostasis while supporting natural healing processes.