Kaolin integrated gellan gum composite sponge for rapid hemostasis

Uncontrolled bleeding can result in severe complications, including hemorrhagic shock, hyperthermia, acidosis, coagulopathy, multiple organ failure, and infection. The development of hemostatic agents or devices capable of achieving rapid hemostasis is therefore critical to minimize excessive blood loss during surgical procedures. In this study, a novel kaolin-integrated, gellan gum based composite hemostat sponges were developed via ionic crosslinking mechanism. The established safety and efficacy of kaolin as a hemostatic agent were leveraged in the design, while a composite strategy was employed to address the practical limitations associated with its powdery form. The present study also takes advantages of the water soluble, anionic exopolysaccharide, gellan gum for its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to adapt to physiological conditions. The composite sponges were fabricated using varying ratios of gellan gum and kaolin and evaluated for its hemostatic efficacy. In vitro studies confirmed the non-toxic nature of the sponges, along with their effectiveness in promoting blood clotting.