Borate ester-based multifunctional self-healing hydrogels for tissue adhesion and hemostasis.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Uncontrolled bleeding is a critical challenge in surgery and trauma, leading to severe complications and mortality.
• Effective hemostatic agents require rapid bleeding cessation, strong tissue adhesion, easy removal, and low hemolysis.
• Previous work on tsPBA@PVA hydrogel informed the development of a new hemostatic system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate Fe3O4@gel, a modified hydrogel designed to enhance hemostasis.
• To assess the hemostatic efficacy, adhesion properties, and safety of the Fe3O4@gel system.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized Fe3O4@gel hydrogel incorporating Fe3O4 nanoparticles, tsPBA, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
• Investigated hydrogel properties including self-healing, adhesion to surfaces via covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding.
• Evaluated hemostatic performance and hemolysis rate through in vitro and in vivo studies.

Main Results:

• Fe3O4@gel demonstrated robust self-healing and strong adhesion to tissue surfaces through covalent and hydrogen bonding.
• The hydrogel exhibited easy removal without causing rebleeding and a low in vitro hemolysis rate (<5%).
• Both in vitro and in vivo results confirmed enhanced blood clot formation facilitated by Fe3O4 within the hydrogel.

Conclusions:

• Fe3O4@gel shows significant potential as an effective hemostatic agent for promoting wound healing.
• The hydrogel's properties, including enhanced clot formation and biocompatibility, make it a promising candidate for managing bleeding.
• This research contributes to the development of advanced materials for critical care and surgical applications.