3D printing-mediated microporous starch hydrogels for wound hemostasis

Abstract

Starch hydrogels with biodegradability and cytocompatibility are good alternatives to traditional dressings. Herein, oxidized starch hydrogel loaded with coagulation factor Ca²⁺ ions (CaOMS) is successfully constructed by green hot-extrusion 3D printing technology (HE-3DP). In vitro study demonstrated the good water absorbing capacity (845.15–1194.20%) and blood cell and platelet adhesion of CaOMS to assist hemostasis owing to the boosted network structure density, gel strength, and the release of activated Ca²⁺ ions. More importantly, in vivo experiments further demonstrated CaOMS could maintain the weight loss caused by blood loss from wounds and has excellent hemostatic (65 s) and wound healing properties by promoting the secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The advantages of CaOMS, including rapid and effective hemostasis, effective wound healing, low cost, easy usage, and adaptability to fit various wound shapes, make it a promising biomaterial for achieving fast hemostasis and wound healing.