Synthesis and characterization of fast-swelling porous superabsorbent hydrogel based on starch as a hemostatic agent

Abstract

The body can’t control massive bleeding without treatment. Different hemostatic agents have been prepared recently, but most of them are ineffective in severe bleeding and expensive or cause safety concerns. In this study, in order to achieve fast control of bleeding, we synthesized and characterized fast-swelling porous superabsorbent hydrogel (FSPSH) and investigated its use as a hemostatic agent. The FSPSH was prepared by grafting acrylic acid and acrylamide onto starch through free-radical polymerization in aqueous solution. The FSPSH was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis. Then, temporal swelling behavior and coagulation time experiments were used to predict the in vivo behavior of the FSPSH. The hemocompatibility of synthesized FSPSH was evaluated by hemolysis test and blood cells function. In vivo study using femoral artery injury in rat demonstrated the FSPSH’s ability to aid in rapid hemostasis. Furthermore, monitoring the rat on first and seventh day after femoral artery injury also showed no harmful effect. This study indicates that FSPSH adsorbs fluid and swells, thus forms a physical barrier to blood loss. FSPSH, moreover, as hemostat is simple to use, lightweight, stable, and harmless.