Cuttlebone Fillers for Topical Hemorrhage and Wound Healing: In Vitro Insights and a Suppository Model

Abstract

BackgroundWhile the treatment of numerous anorectal disorders remains challenging, this paper aims to add an impact and suggests a product prototype with marine-derived non-toxic cuttlebone fillers for clinical use. MethodsElemental composition, hemostatic and antibacterial potential of cuttlebone fillers were tested in vitro while comparing with a number of clotting powders. Witepsol-based suppositories with lidocaine hydrochloride and cuttlebone fillers were further developed. ResultsCuttlebone microparticles (CB-1) and modified alkali-treated cuttlebone microparticles (CB-2) were analyzed in terms of hemostatic efficiency and as fillers for rectal suppositories for the first time (Fig. 1). Bioinorganic elements of cuttlebone, such as iron, zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium were found to be supportive for wound healing. Modified, chitosan-enriched cuttlebone filler showed decrease in clotting time by 20%. Cuttlebone fillers demonstrated no antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Suppositories with cuttlebone fillers have demonstrated favorable characteristics, such as melting point in a 36.0–37.0 °C temperature range, dissolution time no longer than 30 min and gradual release of the anesthetic drug. ConclusionBased on the primal, though essential to conduct in vitro test results, application of cuttlebone fillers could open a new page in the development of successful naturally-based hemostatic and wound healing products.