Fibrin-like calcium release 3D gelatin fiber hemostatic scaffold for interventional surgery

Abstract

Hemostasis plays a critical role in wound treatment and surgical operations. Blood coagulation can be facilitated by both physical coagulation, involving fibrin and platelets, and chemical coagulation, promoted by calcium ion release. In this study, we fabricated a 3D gelatin fiber and calcium-releasing gelatin sponge (GFGS) to promote the hemostatic process at the wound site. Fibrin-like gelatin fibers electrospun on an ethanol bath were able to form 2–5 µm fibers that maintained a 3D structure and did not dissolve in water. These fibers, which were not densely packed, created a porous space that could entangle with red blood cells, thereby expanding the binding sites. The uncrosslinked gelatin sponge undergoes dissolution upon contact with blood, facilitating blood infiltration and the localized release of calcium ions to enhance the coagulation process. The GFGS demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and hemostatic effects, reducing blood loss by five times compared to regular gauze in a 3 mm diameter wound. By modifying the collector of the electrospinning device and the crosslinking methods, we were able to create a scaffold where gelatin fibers do not adhere to each other and maintain a 3D structure. Additionally, by crosslinking the gelatin to release calcium ions, we were able to enhance the hemostatic effect. This is expected to rapidly prevent and treat wounds occurring after interventional surgeries.