The impact of spatial structures of collagen on the hemostatic properties of collagen/calcium alginate composite membranes.

Biomacromolecule-based hemostatic materials with biocompatibility and biodegradability have become a topic of significant research for the treatment of wound hemorrhage. Among available biomacromolecules, collagen and alginate are particularly promising. Although collagen and alginate composite materials have been developed, the impact of the spatial structures of collagen on the hemostatic properties of these materials remains to be fully understood. Collagen fibers, formed through self-assembly, share the same composition as collagen but exhibit distinct spatial structures. In this study, calcium alginate (CaAlg) membranes containing collagen (Col) or collagen fibers (Col-fiber) were fabricated. By adjusting the ratio of collagen to alginate, Col/CaAlg and Col-fiber/CaAlg composite membranes with favourable tensile strength and water retention ability were selected. The impact of collagen's spatial structures on the structures and properties of composite membranes was investigated, revealing that collagen fibers enhance the cytocompatibility, blood compatibility, and hemostatic performance of alginate membranes more effectively than collagen. Therefore, the Col-fiber/CaAlg membranes could be a promising candidate for hemostatic applications.