Development of Adhesive Hemostatic Sponge Based on Decellularized Extracellular Matrix and Mussel Adhesive Protein

Abstract

Many hemostatic biomaterials are being developed for a more sufficient hemostasis for wounds and surgeries. On the other hand, hemostatic biomaterials hold many limitations such as not being fully biocompatible and biodegradable, causing minor hemolysis, and most significantly, not necessarily targeting wound healing after a successful hemostasis. Most topical hemostats also lack the adhesive ability to attach to the injury site to promote wound healing. To overcome such limitations, a novel composite hemostatic sponge containing decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) and mussel adhesive protein (MAP) with not only a superior hemostatic ability but also a great wound healing ability was developed. The novel biomaterial was found to contain high absorptivity, high biocompatibility, high biodegradability, and strong tissue adhesive properties. With these characteristics, the sponge was capable of critically increasing the hemoglobin binding ability, enhancing platelet activation by the increase of released vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet factor 4 (PF4), and shortening the blood coagulation time both in vitro and in vivo. It was noted that the bleeding time and bleeding amount when the sponge was tested in vivo were comparable to the results of Avitene, a commercially available topical hemostat known to contain a highly successful hemostatic behavior. After a rapid hemostasis with minimal bleeding, the sponge contained the ability to promote wound healing with the least amount of necrosis, fibrosis, and remaining hemostatic debris attached to the wound site. The novel sponge contains the ability to promote a faster hemostasis and remains attached to the defect site for wound regeneration with minimal necrosis and faster degradation compared to other hemostats.