Hemostatic Sponge Based on Modified Alginate and Water-Soluble Chitosan for Rapid Hemorrhage Control

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Hemostasis Research
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable death in trauma and surgery.
• Existing hemostatic agents require rapid action, mechanical stability, and safety.
• Developing advanced hemostatic materials is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible hemostatic sponge with enhanced properties.
• To create a material combining modified chitosan and alginate for effective bleeding control.
• To evaluate the hemostatic efficacy, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility of the novel sponge.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)-modified water-soluble chitosan and dual-functionalized alginate (alendronate- and DMPA-modified).
• Fabrication of porous scaffolds via controlled freezing and freeze-drying.
• Characterization of structural, mechanical, swelling, and absorption properties.
• In vitro hemocompatibility (hemolysis) and cytocompatibility (fibroblast viability) assays.
• In vivo evaluation in a mouse liver hemorrhage model.

Main Results:

• Porous scaffolds (∼85% porosity) with rapid swelling (∼4500% in 10 min) and efficient blood absorption were produced.
• Scaffolds exhibited tensile strengths of 260-290 kPa and maintained integrity for 2 weeks.
• Low hemolysis (<8%) and high fibroblast viability (>95%) confirmed hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility.
• In vivo testing showed an 84.3% reduction in blood loss, comparable to commercial controls.

Conclusions:

• The dual-modified WS-C/MA sponge effectively controls bleeding through Ca2+-mediated coagulation, rapid absorption, and cationic interactions.
• The material demonstrates excellent structural durability and biocompatibility.
• This novel hemostatic sponge holds significant potential for emergency and surgical applications.