Effect of Gelatin-Based Hemostats on Fibroblasts and Relevant Growth Factors in Wound Healing

Abstract

Gelatin-based hemostats have been used in various surgical fields and showed advantageous effects on central aspects of wound healing when compared to cellulose-based hemostats. Nevertheless, the influence of gelatin-based hemostats on wound healing has not been fully explored yet. Hemostats were applied to fibroblast cell cultures for 5, 30, 60 min, 24 h, 7 and 14 days and measurements were taken at 3, 6, 12, 24 h and 7 or 14 days, respectively. Cell proliferation was quantified after different exposure times and a contraction assay was conducted to measure the extent of the extracellular matrix over time. We further assessed quantitative levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fibroblast counts decreased significantly at 7 and 14 days independent of the application duration (p < 0.001 for 5 min application). The gelatin-based hemostat did not have a negative impact on cell matrix contraction. After application of gelatin-based hemostat, the basic fibroblast growth factor did not change; yet, the vascular endothelial growth factor significantly increased after a prolonged 24 h application time when compared to controls or to a 6 h exposure (p < 0.05). Gelatin-based hemostats did not impair contraction of the extracellular matrix or growth factor production (vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor), while cell proliferation diminished at late time points. In conclusion, the gelatin-based material seems to be compatible with central aspects of wound healing. For further clinical assessment, future animal and human studies are necessary.

Hydrogel-Based Skin Regeneration

“…Gelatin is a natural protein derived from collagen hydrolysis sourced from the connective tissues of animals like skin, bone, and tendons. Throughout history, gelatin has served as both an antipyretic and hemostatic drug and has been utilized as a component in wound dressings [45]. Its richness in arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequences makes gelatin advantageous for cell attachment and regeneration without necessitating RGD cross-linking, setting it apart from other biomacromolecule-based hydrogels.…”