Haemocompatibility of Tranexamic Acid Impregnated Resorbable Gauze- An Invitro Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the hemocompatibility and hemostatic potential of tranexamic acid (TXA)-impregnated resorbable gauze using hemolysis and clotting time assays.

Methods: Hemocompatibility testing was conducted using fresh human blood obtained from healthy donors to study the interaction between the blood components and the biomaterial. Red blood cell (RBC) suspensions were prepared, and hemolysis was quantified by absorbance at 545 nm for PVA-Chitosan (PC) and PVA-Chitosan-Tranexamic Acid (PC-T) composites at 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL concentrations. Additionally, a clotting time study was conducted under physiological conditions to determine the pro-coagulant potential of the materials. The control blood clotting time was 300 seconds, while that of the PC composite reduced to 250 seconds. Interestingly, the PC-T composite showed significantly enhanced hemostatic performance with a further reduction in clotting time to 198 seconds. These findings indicate that the incorporation of tranexamic acid into the composite not only improves hemocompatibility through reduced hemolysis but also enhances its clot-promoting property, rendering it an ideal biomaterial for surgical and trauma applications.

Results: The addition of tranexamic acid (TXA) to the polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (PVA-Chitosan) composite greatly improved its hemostatic and blood compatibility characteristics. The PVA-Chitosan-Tranexamic Acid (PC-T) composite also had significantly lower hemolysis compared to the PC composite at both concentrations studied, indicating increased blood compatibility. The coagulation time of the PC-T composite was also decreased to 198 seconds, from 250 seconds for the PC composite, indicating its increased pro-coagulant characteristic. These findings attest to the fact that TXA is a significant factor in enhancing the hemostatic efficacy of the gauze and hence a favorable biomaterial for use in applications involving effective stabilization of blood clots at the same time minimizing hemolysis.

Conclusion: PC-T composite was found to have improved hemocompatibility and hemostatic properties compared to PC composite. TXA not only minimized clotting time but also minimized hemolysis, thus making PC-T composite a top contender for biomedical applications in the efficient handling of blood.