Development potential of extracellular matrix hydrogels as hemostatic materials

Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2023 Jun 13:11:1187474. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1187474. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

The entry of subcutaneous extracellular matrix proteins into the circulation is a key step in hemostasis initiation after vascular injury. However, in cases of severe trauma, extracellular matrix proteins are unable to cover the wound, making it difficult to effectively initiate hemostasis and resulting in a series of bleeding events. Acellular-treated extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels are widely used in regenerative medicine and can effectively promote tissue repair due to their high mimic nature and excellent biocompatibility. ECM hydrogels contain high concentrations of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, fibronectin, and laminin, which can simulate subcutaneous extracellular matrix components and participate in the hemostatic process. Therefore, it has unique advantages as a hemostatic material. This paper first reviewed the preparation, composition and structure of extracellular hydrogels, as well as their mechanical properties and safety, and then analyzed the hemostatic mechanism of the hydrogels to provide a reference for the application and research, and development of ECM hydrogels in the field of hemostasis.

Keywords: extracellular matrix components (ECM); extracellular matrix hydrogel; hemorrhage; hemostasis; hemostatic mechanism.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was supported by Zhejiang Province Public Welfare Technology Application Research Project (CN), China (Grant No. LGF20H060009).