Nanoscale Chitosan-Based Hemostasis Membrane

Abstract

Excessive bleeding or hemorrhage in traumatic injuries is the leading preventable cause of death in the combat and civilian trauma centers. Nearly 50% of military deaths, 90% of military battlefield casualties, and 33-56% mortalities in civilian’s surgical bleeding are associated with severe bleeding and can be prevented [1]. Hence, significant and rapid hemostasis or bleeding control require innovative strategies with easy to use, stable, and inexpensive processing. Furthermore, the developed hemostatic material should ensure biocompatibility and biodegradability with non-immunogenic properties. To date, a wide variety of hemostatic powders, dressings, and bandages have been investigated as useful materials in reducing hemorrhage. Unfortunately, studies have shown several limitations, especially in managing penetrating injuries, where it is hard to stop bleeding through hemostatic bandages and dressings alone [2]. Also, the most widely used hemostatic powders are still challenging to apply in the wounded area during excessive bleeding [3].