Handling and managing bleeding wounds using tissue adhesive hydrogel: a comparative assessment on two different hydrogels

Abstract

The present study explores the preparation and a comparative assessment on the physical, mechanical and biological properties of two different tissue adhesive hydrogels (TAHs) for the management of bleeding wounds. TAHs were prepared through tethering of di-/tri-hydroxyl phenolics to a gelatin backbone and subjected to oxidation. It has been observed that all the physical, mechanical and biological properties are at significant levels upon tri-hydroxyl phenolic functionalization rather than di-hydroxyl phenolic functionalization. The considerable hemostatic activity and adhesive strength of the hydrogel upon functionalization with phenolic acids controls the blood loss and supports the early healing of bleeding wounds. In conclusion, functionalization with tri-hydroxyl phenolics imparts hemostatic, adhesive strength and tissue approximation properties of gelatin, which solves most of the problems associated with the management of bleeding wounds.