In Vivo and In Vitro Investigation of a Novel Gelatin/Sodium Polyacrylate Composite Hemostatic Sponge for Topical Bleeding

Abstract

Designing a functional and efficient blood-clotting agent is a major challenge. In this research, hemostatic scaffolds (GSp) were prepared from the superabsorbent, inter-crosslinked polymer sodium polyacrylate (Sp) bound to a natural protein gelatin (G) loaded with thrombin (Th) by a cost-effective freeze-drying method. Five compositions were grafted (GSp0.0, Gsp0.1, GSp0.2, GSp0.3, GSp0.3-Th) where the concentration of Sp varied but the ratios of G remained the same. The fundamental physical characteristics that increased the amounts of Sp with G gave synergistic effects after interacting with thrombin. Due to the presence of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) swelling capacities in GSp0.3 and GSp0.3-Th surge forward 6265% and 6948%, respectively. Pore sizes became uniform and larger (ranging ≤ 300 μm) and well-interconnected. The water-contact angle declined in GSp0.3 and GSp0.3-Th to 75.73 ± 1.097 and 75.33 ± 0.8342 degrees, respectively, thus increasing hydrophilicity. The pH difference was found to be insignificant as well. In addition, an evaluation of the scaffold in in vitro biocompatibility with the L929 cell line showed cell viability >80%, so the samples were nontoxic and produced a favorable environment for cell proliferation. The composite GSp0.3-Th revealed the lowest HR (%) (2.601%), and the in vivo blood-clotting time (s) and blood loss (gm) supported hemostasis. Overall, the results showed that a novel GSp0.3-Th scaffold can be a potential candidate as a hemostatic agent.

Research Advances in Superabsorbent Polymers

“…In recent years, natural polymers, especially polysaccharide-based superabsorbent polymers, have garnered significant attention due to their non-toxicity and good hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability compared with synthetic polymers. The main materials used for superabsorbent polymers are natural polymers, such as cellulose [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 89 ], chitosan [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 90 ], starch [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 91 ], proteins [ 9 , 58 , 59 , 60 ], amino acids [ 61 , 62 , 63 , 92 ], and alginate [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 93 ].…”

“…ity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability compared with synthetic polymers. The main materials used for superabsorbent polymers are natural polymers, such as cellulose [48][49][50]89], chitosan [51][52][53]90], starch [54][55][56][57]91], proteins [9,[58][59][60], amino acids [61][62][63]92], and alginate [64][65][66]93].…”