Effect of chitosan molecular weight, percentage in solution and method of production to human blood cells

Abstract

Adequate haemostasis after trauma and during surgical operation is a big challenge in modern medicine. About the 40% traumatic and more than 90% of combat deaths took place in pre-hospital settings. And about the 50% from these deaths have been reported due to massive blood loss [Ersoy G, 2007]. Sauaia A. reported 80% of civilian trauma fatalitieswithin the United States causes by uncontrollable haemorrhage [Sauaia A., 1995]. Also, haemorrhage in trauma patients is a leading cause resulting reoperation [Hirshberg A, 1993]. Topical haemostatic treatment was applied since ancient time. They used herbs, mixture of wax, grease and barley and also animal hides mixed with hot sand to stop bleeding [Hardean E. Achneck, 2010]. Advances in biotechnology have resulted in an explosivegrowth of topical haemostatic agentsin the last two decades. Chitin and chitosan hemostatic dressing are most promising due to effective blood stop and possible additional properties like antibacterial and stimulatory to regeneration. Both clinical and experimental evaluations of chitosan-based hemostatic dressing suggest their high effectiveness and safety in civil and battlefield application. But still not understanding how does molecular weight influence to haemostatic activities of chitosan-based materials. Also chitosan may be present in different concentration that can change effectiveness and time that need to stop bleeding.