A Dual-Crosslinked Collagen/Oxidized Cellulose Composite Sponge Synergistically Constructed via Polyelectrolyte...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Hemostatic Agents
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Effective control of acute hemorrhage is a critical unmet need in clinical practice.
• Developing advanced hemostatic materials with enhanced absorption and mechanical properties is essential for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a novel dual-crosslinked hemostatic sponge using modified collagen (COL) and dialdehyde oxidized cellulose (DOC).
• To evaluate the fluid absorption, mechanical properties, and in vivo hemostatic efficacy of the developed composite sponge.

Main Methods:

• Collagen was modified with dialdehyde oxidized cellulose of varying carboxyl contents to create a dual-crosslinked network via Schiff base formation and polyelectrolyte complexation.
• The composite sponge's fluid absorption capacity, structural integrity, and compressive modulus were assessed.
• In vivo hemostatic performance was evaluated in liver injury models, comparing blood loss and hemostasis time against a commercial agent (Gelfoam).

Main Results:

• The dual-crosslinked sponge exhibited remarkable fluid absorption (3000% in water, 5000% in blood) while maintaining structural integrity.
• The optimized DOC-COL-18.90% sponge showed 1.9 times the compressive modulus of pure COL sponge.
• In vivo studies demonstrated significantly reduced blood loss (187 ± 8 mg) and faster hemostasis (65 ± 7 s) compared to Gelfoam (682 ± 15 mg, 112 ± 11 s).

Conclusions:

• The dual-crosslinked hemostatic sponge possesses excellent fluid absorption, mechanical strength, and superior in vivo hemostatic performance.
• The material's hydrophilicity, thermal stability, and biocompatibility support its potential for clinical translation in managing acute hemorrhage.