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An Injectable Hybrid Gelatin Methacryloyl/Polydopamine Nanoparticle Bioink for Rapid Hemostasis Applications
Sabrina Mai-Yi Fan1,2, Nian-Yun Tsai3, Chia-Chih Chang4,5
1Research Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, No.1, Changde St., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100229, Taiwan.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|December 23, 2025
Summary
Engineered hydrogels combining gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles offer rapid hemostasis. These injectable bioinks effectively control bleeding and reduce blood loss in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Hemostasis and Thrombosis
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Uncontrolled hemorrhage is a leading cause of mortality.
- Engineered hydrogels are explored for hemorrhage control due to fluid absorption and coagulation promotion.
- Current hemostatic agents have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop injectable bioinks for effective hemorrhage control.
- To investigate the impact of polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticle size on hydrogel properties and hemostatic efficacy.
- To evaluate the performance of GelMA/PDA bioinks in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of injectable bioinks by combining gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) with PDA nanoparticles of varying sizes.
- Characterization of hydrogel porosity, swelling capacity, viscosity, and injectability.
- Evaluation of hemostatic performance using an in vitro porcine skin bleeding model and in vivo mice models (tail amputation and liver injury).
Main Results:
- GelMA hydrogels with PDA nanoparticles <600 nm exhibited high porosity (>60%) and swelling capacity (>6-fold).
- These hydrogels reduced blood clotting time by 2.6-fold and enhanced fibrin formation.
- Injectable GelMA/PDA bioinks demonstrated rapid hemostasis in vitro (within 120 s) and in vivo, reducing clotting time by 61% and blood loss by ~60%.
Conclusions:
- GelMA/PDA bioinks are effective injectable hemostatic materials.
- The developed hydrogels show significant potential for rapid hemorrhage control.
- These materials offer a promising alternative to commercial hemostatic agents.
