Novel porous silica granules for instant hemostasis

Abstract

For emergency control of bleeding, there is a strong demand for topical hemostatic materials that can not only stop bleeding rapidly but also be carried and used conveniently. The aim of this work was to develop a novel type of porous silica material and investigate its hemostatic performance. The porous silica spherical-like granules were prepared via dry-mixing and wet-granulation with diameters of 0.40–1.10 mm. Granulation reinforced the infiltrating ability of the porous silica materials with fluid and stabilized their capillary structure. The rapid water absorption ability was enhanced 130% for the porous silica granules compared to the mesoporous silica particles. In vitro coagulation studies showed the clotting time of blood was shorten greatly from 150 seconds for mesoporous silica particles to 30 seconds for mesoporous silica granules at the early stage of hemostasis. In vivo studies using a rat injury model demonstrated the granules' ability to aid in rapid hemostasis. The usability of silica material was improved significantly by granulation through enhancing its flowability and eliminating dust. This study suggested the porous silica granules are a good candidate as a hemostatic agent in clinical and family applications.