New Porous Composite Xerogel Dressing Developed to Rapidly Clot Blood and Control Hemorrhage

Key findings from the study, published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, reveal that the dressing enhances platelet aggregation and activation.

Researchers at Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, have developed an innovative porous composite xerogel dressing that incorporates silica nanoparticles and calcium to enhance blood clotting and address uncontrolled hemorrhage. This breakthrough dressing demonstrated a significant improvement in blood clotting rates compared to conventional commercial dressings.

Uncontrolled hemorrhage, a major cause of traumatic death from accidents, injuries, and during military or surgical operations, often results in severe blood loss. Traditional materials such as gauze and natural bodily defenses, which rely on reducing blood flow and platelet plug formation, are often insufficient to control severe bleeding. There is a pressing need for advanced hemostatic materials to manage such critical conditions.

The researchers created a highly porous, spongy xerogel hemostatic dressing with silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and calcium. This composite material significantly increased the blood clotting index by 13-fold compared to existing commercial options. The xerogel's numerous pores, approximately 30 µm in size, contribute to its high absorbance capacity and effectiveness in rapidly managing blood loss.

Key findings from the study, published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, reveal that the dressing enhances platelet aggregation and activation. The composite improves platelet shape change, calcium release, and the activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) on platelet surfaces. These factors are crucial for effective blood clotting.

The xerogel dressing not only supports quick absorption of blood but also accelerates the clotting process by promoting platelet aggregation and calcium release. This leads to more effective formation of blood clots and could potentially reduce blood loss, disability, and mortality in surgical and trauma settings.

This advancement in hemostatic materials holds promise for significantly improving trauma care and surgical outcomes, offering a potential solution for managing severe hemorrhage and enhancing patient survival rates.