In vitro capacity of different grades of chitosan derivatives to induce platelet adhesion and aggregation

Chitosan-derived hemostatic agents with various formulations may have distinct potential in hemostasis. This study assessed the ability of different grades and forms of chitosan derivatives as hemostatic agents to enhance platelet adhesion and aggregation in vitro. The chitosan derivatives utilized were 2% NO-CMC, 7% NO-CMC (with 0.45 mL collagen), 8% NO-CMC, O-C 52, 5% O-CMC-47, NO-CMC-35, and O-C 53. Samples of chitosan derivatives weighing 5mg were incubated at 37°C with 50 μL of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (pH 7.4) for 60 min. The morphological features of the platelets upon adherence to the chitosan were viewed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the platelet count was analyzed with an Automated Hematology Analyzer. For platelet aggregation, we added an adenosine diphosphate (ADP) agonist to induce the chitosan-adhered platelets. O-C 52 bound with platelets exhibited platelet aggregates and clumps on the surface of the membrane layer with approximately 70-80% coverage. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.01) for the platelet count was identified between the baseline value and the values at 10 min and 20 min. The results indicate that O-C 53 and O-C 52 were able to promote clotting have the potential to induce the release of platelets engaged in the process of hemostasis.