Fast-Forming Natural Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel with Strong Adhesion and Stable Cohesion via Photopolymerization...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Hemostasis Research

Background:

• Natural hydrogels struggle with slow sealing for incompressible hemorrhage control.
• Developing effective hemostatic agents remains a critical medical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel natural hydrogel adhesive with rapid gelation and enhanced hemostatic properties.
• To investigate the molecular design and synergistic effects contributing to the hydrogel's performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a natural macromer with acrylamido and catechol groups.
• Fabricated hydrogel adhesive via photopolymerization.
• Evaluated hemostatic performance through burst pressure, tissue adhesion, and in vivo models.

Main Results:

• Achieved rapid gelation (4.3 s) and high burst pressure (187.2 ± 21.4 mmHg).
• Demonstrated strong tissue adhesion, forming a stable physical barrier.
• Showcased superior hemostasis in rat liver and femoral artery models compared to controls.
• Confirmed biocompatibility and biodegradability through in vitro and in vivo studies.

Conclusions:

• The novel hydrogel adhesive offers a promising solution for controlling incompressible hemorrhage.
• The molecular design leveraging n-π conjugation provides a new strategy for developing advanced hemostatic materials.
• This approach is adaptable to other natural polymers like chitosan and hyaluronic acid.