Bioabsorbable Carboxymethyl Starch–Calcium Ionic Assembly Powder as a Hemostatic Agent

In contrast to hemostatic fabrics, foams, and gels, hemostatic spray powders may be conveniently applied on narrow and complex bleeding sites. However, powdered hemostatic agents are easily desorbed from the bleeding surface because of blood flow, which seriously decreases their hemostatic function. In this study, the hemostatic performance of a bioabsorbable powder with decreased desorption was investigated. The proposed hemostatic powder (OOZFIX(TM)) is an ionic assembly of carboxymethyl starch and calcium. The microstructure and chemical properties of the hemostatic powder were analyzed. The hemostatic performance (blood absorption, blood absorption rate, and coagulation time), thromboelastography (TEG), rheology, adhesion force, and C3a complement activation of the OOZFIX(TM) were evaluated and compared with those of the carboxymethyl starch-based commercial hemostatic powder (Arista(TM) AH). The in vivo rat hepatic hemorrhage model for hemostasis time and bioabsorption of the OOZFIX(TM) showed quick biodegradation (<3 weeks) and a significantly improved hemostasis rate (78 ± 17 s) compared to that of Arista(TM) AH (182 ± 11) because of the reduced desorption. The bioabsorbable hemostatic powder OOZFIX(TM) is expected to be a promising hemostatic agent for precise medical surgical treatments.