PVA/pectin based electrospun nanofibers loaded with tranexamic acid for hemostasis: Preparation, in-vitro characterization, and in-vivo evaluation

Nanofibers can be used to mitigate issues that are present with the current treatment for hemorrhage. A hemostatic agent should control the bleeding quickly and prevent the solubilization of the formed clot in a biocompatible way. A nanofiber mat of PVA-Pectin loaded with tranexamic acid (TXA) has been prepared to control hemorrhage. A series of characterizations, like SEM, XRD, ATR-IR, DSC, and tensile strength, were determined. HPLC studies have been done to check the encapsulation and in vitro release of the drug in the nanofiber mat. Different important attributes for hemostasis have been measured in vitro in blood-clotting and plasma recalcification time studies. Hemostasis performance has been verified in terms of bleeding time and blood loss in the tail amputation model. It has been found that the polymers selected for the nanofabrication have significant hemostatic properties, which enhance the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA). The application of TXA-nanofiber has been shown to control the release of TXA at the injury site and prevent multiple rebleeding. The developed nanofiber mat loaded with tranexamic acid demonstrates a great approach to induce rapid hemostasis without secondary bleeding in prehospital settings.