Electrokinetic and thromboelastographic analysis demonstrates that retention of cotton cuticle components promotes hemostasis in hydroentangled nonwoven blends

Authors: Edwards, Judson - Vince; Graves, Elena; YAGER, DORNE - Virginia Commonwealth University; QURESHI, HUZAIFAH - Virginia Commonwealth University; DACORTA, JOSEPH - H&h Medical Corporation; GARY, LAWSON - T J Beall Company; Reynolds, Michael; Condon, Brian

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/30/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: Cotton lint prepared from minimally processed natural fibers was for centuries a staple in controlling severe hemorrhage, and eventually replaced by woven cotton gauze. We have recently demonstrated that minimally processed “griege” cotton fibers demonstrate enhanced clotting relative to highly processed USP type 7 bleached cotton gauze. This effect is due to the material surface polarity and swell ratio of the fibers that retain complex organic polymers present on the cotton fiber. We hypothesized that a textile could be constructed conserving the hemostasis-accelerating properties of minimally processed cotton, while maintaining non-linting structural integrity. Methods: Spun bond nonwovens of varying surface polarity were designed and prepared based on ratios of greige cotton/ bleached cotton/polypropylene fibers. Thromboelastographic analysis was performed on fabric samples in citrated blood to evaluate the rate and strength of fibrin and clot formation. Lee White clotting times were obtained to assess the materials clotting activity in platelet fresh blood. Electrokinetic analysis of samples was performed to analyze for material surface polarity i.e., plateau potential, and fiber swell ratio. Results: Hemostatic properties varied with composition ratios, fiber density, and process hydrostatic pressures and speeds. A correlation of increased percent greige cotton and decreased clotting time demonstrates that greige cotton may be utilized in hemostatic dressings. Conclusion: Hydroentanglement is an efficient and effective process for imparting structural integrity to cotton based textiles, while conserving enhanced hemostatic function. This study demonstrates that an affordable and effective hemostatic gauze can be constructed from commonly available materials using high throughput manufacturing methods.