One potent sponge based on plant-protein-polyphenol assemblies for coagulopathic hemostasis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Hemostasis Research
• Nanotechnology Applications

Background:

• Commercially available gelatin sponges aid hemostasis by concentrating blood components.
• Current hemostatic methods are ineffective in coagulopathic conditions.
• Need for advanced hemostatic materials that function across various bleeding scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop procoagulant zein-polyphenol conjugate (ZC) nanoassemblies.
• To functionalize gelatin sponges with ZC nanoassemblies for enhanced hemostasis.
• To evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of ZC-coated gelatin sponges in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Zein-polyphenol conjugate (ZC) nanoassemblies were synthesized via an anti-solvent strategy.
• Commercial gelatin sponges were surface-functionalized with ZC nanoassemblies.
• In vitro assays assessed hemostatic properties, including cell adhesion.
• In vivo studies utilized a femoral artery injury model to evaluate hemostasis under different conditions.

Main Results:

• ZC-coated gelatin sponges demonstrated enhanced in vitro hemostatic properties.
• Superior adhesion of red blood cells and platelets was observed on ZC-coated sponges.
• ZC-enhanced sponges showed superior hemostatic potential in a femoral artery injury model.
• Effective hemostasis was achieved under both coagulation-dependent and coagulopathic conditions.

Conclusions:

• Zein-polyphenol conjugate nanoassemblies effectively enhance gelatin sponge hemostatic properties.
• ZC-coated gelatin sponges offer a promising solution for bleeding control in diverse clinical settings.
• This approach paves the way for advanced zein-based procoagulant biomaterials.