Hemostatic Efficacy and Biocompatibility Evaluation of a Novel Absorbable Porous Starch Hemostat

Abstract

Background A novel absorbable porous starch hemostat (APSH) based on calcium ion-exchange crosslinked porous starch microparticles (Ca2+CPSM) was developed to improve hemostasis during surgeries for irregular cuts. The aim of this study was to compare its hemostatic efficacy and biocompatibility in a standard rat liver injury model relatively to Arista AH, Quickclean, and crosslinked porous starch microparticles (CPSM, without calcium ion). Methods 72 Wistar rats (220g–240 g) were randomly assigned to six groups (Arista, Quickclean, CPSM, Ca2+CPSM, native potato starch, and untreated control group, n =12 per group). 30 mg of each hemostatic agent was applied to a standard circular liver excision (8 mm in diameter and 3 mm deep) in rats. Following their hemostatic efficacy, in vivo biocompatiblity evaluation was examined. The native potato starch (NPS) group was used as the negative group. Results Ca2+CPSM had almost the same hemostatic efficacy compared with Arista; meanwhile, all the 4 hemostatic agents had good blood compatibility. In terms of in vivo tissue compatibility, Ca2+CPSM had relatively fast degradation and absorption rate with good histocompatibility. As the morphological, anatomic observation and H&E staining of liver defects after implantation, Ca2+CPSM was almost completely absorbed by liver tissue after 14 days. Conclusion According to our study, Ca2+CPSM could effectively achieve hemostasis in the standard rat liver injury model and exhibited good blood compatibility and in vivo tissue compatibility. These finding suggested that Ca2+CPSM as a new kind of APSH had its extensive clinical application value.