Macromolecular Substances Commons^™

Enhancing Clot Properties Through Fibrin-Specific Self-Cross-Linked Peg Side-Chain Microgels, Nicole Welsch, Ashley C. Brown, Thomas H. Barker, L. Andrew Lyon

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Excessive bleeding and resulting complications are a major cause of death in both trauma and surgical settings. Recently, there have been a number of investigations into the design of synthetic hemostatic agents with platelet-mimicking activity to effectively treat patients suffering from severe hemorrhage. We developed platelet-like particles from microgels composed of polymers carrying polyethylene glycol (PEG) side-chains and fibrin-targeting single domain variable fragment antibodies (PEG-PLPs). Comparable to natural platelets, PEG-PLPs were found to enhance the fibrin network formation in vitro through strong adhesion to the emerging fibrin clot and physical, non-covalent cross-linking of nascent fibrin fibers. Furthermore, the mechanical reinforcement …