Peptide-immobilized starch/PEG sponge with rapid shape recovery and dual-function for both uncontrolled and noncompressible hemorrhage

It is challenging for traditional hemostatic sponges to meet the clinic demand for both uncontrolled and noncompressible hemorrhage. With the aim to develop a rapid shape recovery material with both active and passive hemostatic performance, a dual-functional hemostatic sponge (TRAP-Sp) with a macroporous structure and good mechanical properties for controlling massive and noncompressible hemorrhage was prepared by chemically immobilizing thrombin-receptor-agonist-peptide (TRAP) onto a starch/polyethylene glycol (PEG) sponge. The TRAP2-Sp1 showed the best hemostatic performance among all samples in both rat artery uncontrollable hemorrhage and liver defect noncompressible hemorrhage models. When analyzing the hemostatic mechanism of TRAP-Sp, the high water absorption capacity of the sponge contributed to absorbing plasma, concentrating blood cells, and enhancing blood coagulation. After absorbing water, the shape-fixed TRAP-Sp with sufficient mechanical strength and high resilience can rapidly expand and apply pressure to the wound. TRAP immobilized on the sponge could activate the adhered platelets in an active pathway. Additionally, evaluation of cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and histology further highlighted the adequate biocompatibility of TRAP-Sp. With excellent hemostatic performance and biosafety, this sponge could be a potential candidate as a topical hemostatic agent for uncontrolled and noncompressible hemorrhage. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: There is a need for innovative hemostatic materials for both uncontrolled and noncompressible hemorrhage. This manuscript describes a rapid shape recovery hemostatic sponge with both active and passive hemostatic performances synthesized by foaming technique, cross-linking reaction, and chemical immobilization of thrombin-receptor-agonist-peptide (TRAP). On contact with blood, the shape-fixed sponge can not only rapidly recover its original shape and concentrate platelets and RBCs but also activate the adhered platelets efficiently. The dual-functional sponge has excellent hemostatic efficacy in rat femoral artery hemorrhage and can control noncompressible hemorrhage in penetrating liver wound. Thus, we believe that this sponge could be a potential candidate as a topical hemostatic agent for uncontrolled and noncompressible hemorrhage.