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Silk Fibroin-Based Hemostatic Sealant with Robust Wet Adhesion and High Burst Pressure Resistance for Arterial
Yanqiu Leng1,2, Qing Li1,2, Kun Yu1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Sericulture Textile and Biomass Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
Abstract:
High-pressure arterial bleeding is a life-threatening condition that can rapidly lead to hemorrhagic shock or death. However, effective noncompressive hemostatic strategies for managing such bleeding remain a significant clinical challenge. To address this, we developed a Janus-structured silk fibroin-based sealant (designated SFM@STF) for rapid hemostasis. The SFM@STF sealant features a bilayer structure: an adhesive silk fibroin/tannic acid/fibrin (STF) layer and a supportive silk fibroin membrane (SFM) layer. The STF layer, designed to mimic the underwater adhesion of mussel proteins via a double-network hydrogel incorporating hydrophobic and catechol groups, ensures robust bonding to wet tissues. In contrast, the SM layer, comprising densely packed crystalline β-sheet structures, offers mechanical robustness. The resulting SFM@STF sealant demonstrated remarkable wet tissue adhesion strength (43.43 ± 8.42 kPa), coupled with superior structural stability, high burst pressure resistance, and a low swelling ratio. Excellent cytocompatibility and a low hemolysis rate were also confirmed. In arterial injury models, SFM@STF rapidly achieved hemostasis in high-pressure wounds. Furthermore, it continuously promoted endothelial regeneration without inducing thrombosis. This Janus-structured SFM@STF sealant, with its robust wet adhesion and rapid hemostatic performance, presents a promising strategy for managing high-pressure arterial bleeding in clinical settings.
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