Advanced Functional Biocompatible Polymeric Matrix Used as a Hemostatic Agent and System for Damaged Tissues and Cells

Abstract

A hemostatic tissue sealant sponge and a spray for acute wounds are disclosed. The sponge comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. The seal is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood inside the boundaries of the sponge, yet weak enough to substantially prevent damage to newly formed tissue upon recovery and subsequent removal of the sponge. In examples, the polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The spray comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism to prevent loss of blood. In an example, the spray further comprises at least one reagent that increases the mechanical integrity of the clot. In another example, the reagent prevents microbial infection of the wound.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 applying a hydrophobically modified biopolymer solution to a wound, wherein one or more hydrophobic moieties is covalently attached to a biopolymer backbone and wherein the solution creates an artificial clot when exposed to blood.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biopolymer is selected from the group consisting of chitosans, alginates, and cellulosics. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic moieties comprise 8 to 18 hydro-carbon residues. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobically modified biopolymer solution has a concentration of about 1% to about 2.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the solution of the biopolymer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the hydrophobic moieties are covalently attached to as many as 10% of available amines of chitosan. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobically modified biopolymer solution is applied as one of an adhesive foam, flowable spray, or surgical sealant. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biopolymer is a chitosan salt. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the chitosan salt is selected from the group consisting of chitosan iodide, chitosan citrate, chitosan bromide, chitosan lactate, chitosan salicylate, chitosan pyrrolidone carboxylate, chitosan itaconate, chitosan niacinate, chitosan forrnate, chitosan gallate, chitosan glutamate, chitosan maleate, chitosan aspartate, and chitosan glycolate. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the solution self-assembles to create the artificial clot. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the chitosan solution provides for strong tissue adhesion and cellular adhesion to create the artificial clot. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the solution readily binds to negatively charged surfaces. 
     
     
         12 . A method, comprising:
 applying a hydrophobically modified biopolymer solution to a wound, wherein one or more hydrophobic moieties is covalently attached to a biopolymer backbone and wherein the solution creates an artificial clot when exposed to blood.; and wherein said solution is packaged in a container for delivery to the wound.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the biopolymer is selected from the group consisting of chitosans, alginates, and cellulosics. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the hydrophobic moieties comprise 8 to 18 hydro-carbon residues. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the hydrophobically modified biopolymer solution has a concentration of about 1% to about 2.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the solution of the biopolymer. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the hydrophobic moieties are covalently attached to as many as 10% of available amines of chitosan. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the hydrophobically modified biopolymer solution is applied as one of an adhesive foam, flowable spray, or surgical sealant. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the biopolymer is a chitosan salt. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the solution self-assembles to create the artificial clot. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the solution readily binds to negatively charged surfaces.