1 research outputs found
Zeolite-Loaded Alginate-Chitosan Hydrogel Beads as a Topical Hemostat
Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death after a traumatic injury.
Commercial hemostatic agents exist, but have various disadvantages including high
cost, short shelf-lives, or secondary tissue damage. Polymer hydrogels provide a
promising platform for the use of both biological and mechanical mechanisms to
accelerate natural hemostasis and control hemorrhage. The goal of this work was to
develop hydrogel particles composed of chitosan and alginate and loaded with zeolite
in order to stop blood loss by targeting multiple hemostatic mechanisms. Several
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particle compositions were synthesized and then characterized through swelling
studies, particle sizing, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The in vitro interactions of the particles were
evaluated through coagulation, degradation, platelet aggregation, and cytotoxicity
studies. The results indicate that 4% alginate, 1% chitosan, 4% zeolite-loaded
hydrogel beads can significantly reduce time to coagulation and increase platelet
aggregation in vitro. Future research can look into the efficacy of these particles in
vivo