Development of Metal Ion Binded Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Powder as Hemostatic Agent: A Comparative Study with in Vivo Performance

For hemostatic materials used in hemorrhage, the capacities to prevent blood loss and biofilm formation through bactericidal activity are the most important issues for improving their clinical utility. In this study, novel oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) powder, which is a potassium salt form of ORC and sodium salt of ORC after NO2 mediated oxidation, was developed via a new and practical method. The materials indicated bactericidal effect against S. Aureus. Chemical characterizations indicated that regenerated cellulose was oxidized selectively, and their crystalline structures are not affected by the oxidation treatment or synthesis procedure. In vivo hemostatic activity performances with rat injury models were studied. The in vivo studies showed that powder materials performed rapid blood coagulation. Histological analyses demonstrated the powder materials did not damage the tissue at the application area. Promising results were obtained for the development of biodegradable, bactericidal, and ease applicable powder for hemorrhage applications.