In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have created a porous composite xerogel dressing that shows significant promise in saving lives by rapidly clotting blood. This innovative dressing, which incorporates silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and calcium, has demonstrated a remarkable 13-fold increase in the blood clotting index compared to conventional commercial dressings.
Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of traumatic death, accounting for more than 40% of trauma fatalities due to severe blood loss. Current methods, such as gauze or the body’s natural blood clotting mechanisms, often fall short in effectively stopping severe bleeding. This has driven the need for improved hemostatic materials.
The xerogel dressing developed by ARI is highly porous and spongy, with multiple pores approximately 30 µm in size, which contribute to its exceptional blood absorbance capacity. The inclusion of silica nanoparticles and calcium enhances the dressing’s ability to promote clotting, making it an effective solution for managing severe hemorrhage.
Platelets play a crucial role in the blood clotting process, and the xerogel dressing has been shown to enhance platelet aggregation by encouraging the development of well-formed pseudopodia in activated platelets. This leads to agglutination, a key factor in the clotting process. Additionally, the dressing boosts calcium release and the activation of the protease-activated receptor gene (PAR1) on platelet membranes, both of which are critical for platelet shape change and aggregation.
The study, published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, delves into the intracellular molecular mechanisms behind the hemostatic efficiency of the xerogel composite. It highlights how the activation of the PAR1 gene and the release of calcium stores within platelets play a significant role in the rapid clotting capabilities of the dressing.
This novel xerogel dressing offers a potentially life-saving solution for trauma care and surgery, where rapid and effective blood clotting is essential. By reducing blood loss and associated complications, the dressing could significantly decrease disability and mortality rates in trauma and surgical settings.
