AUTHOR=Meng Xiangxiao , Liu Fei , Shi Chao , Dou Yichun , Zhang Jingshuang , Jiang Xieyuan , Shi Rui 

TITLE=Injectable in-situ curable hydrogel for medullary cavity hemostasis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1658768

DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2025.1658768

ISSN=2296-4185

ABSTRACT=Achieving hemostasis in the narrow and elongated medullary cavity is a challenge in bone hemostasis. This study developed an in-situ hemostatic hydrogel based on the Schiff base reaction principle, which was cross-linked by the aldehyde groups of dialdehyde-functionalized PEG (DF-PEG) and the amino groups of carboxymethyl chitosan/thrombin (CMCS/Th). We utilized the injectability and rapid curing capability of the hydrogel to achieve hemostasis through physical occlusion of the wound. Gel10 possessed an interpenetrating porous structure and cationic groups, with a water absorption capacity of approximately 269%. The resulting Gel10 can promote the aggregation of blood cells by adsorbing blood. Furthermore, Gel10 was successfully modified with thrombin to create Gel10-Th200, which enhanced mechanical properties and promoted secondary hemostasis and bone tissue repair. In a rabbit model of medullary cavity hemorrhage, compared with the control group (medical gauze) which required external pressure, Gel10-Th200 showed remarkable performance. It significantly shortened the bleeding time and reduced blood loss. Moreover, thanks to its enhanced in situ hardness, Gel10-Th200 did not require external compression. Additionally, Gel10-Th200 exhibited excellent cell compatibility and negligible hemolytic effects. In summary, Gel10-Th200, with its favorable shape adaptability and rapid curing ability, is considered a promising option for hemostasis in this complex bleeding site within the medullary cavity.