Physicochemical Characterization and Hemostatic Performance of Optimized Fish Gelatin-Chitosan Composite Sponge

Background: Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains a leading cause of preventable trauma deaths. Fish gelatin-chitosan composites offer promising hemostatic alternatives to mammalian-derived materials, yet optimal formulations require systematic characterization. This study investigated fish gelatin-chitosan sponges to determine the most effective compositional ratio for hemostatic applications. Material and Methods: Four formulations were prepared via freeze-drying: SGiK (100% gelatin), SGiK1.1 (50% gelatin, 50% chitosan), SGiK1.3 (25% gelatin, 75% chitosan), and SGiK3.1 (75% gelatin, 25% chitosan). Characterization included FTIR spectroscopy for functional groups, SEM for microstructure analysis, degradation studies in PBS over 4 weeks, and swelling capacity measurements at multiple time points (1, 5, 10, 30 minutes). Mechanical properties were evaluated using tensile testing. Results: Pure gelatin (SGiK) exhibited rapid degradation within 3 days. SGiK3.1 demonstrated optimal characteristics with micro-macroporous architecture, highest swelling capacity (1115.22% at 5 minutes), and balanced degradation rate (18% weight loss over 14 days). SEM revealed interconnected porous structures ideal for blood infiltration. SGiK1.3 showed slowest degradation but lower swelling dynamics compared to SGiK3.1. Conclusion: SGiK3.1 (75% gelatin, 25% chitosan) represents the optimal formulation, combining superior swelling capacity, appropriate degradation kinetics, and ideal micro-macroporous architecture for hemostatic applications. This fish gelatin-based composite offers clinical potential as a biocompatible, effective alternative to mammalian-derived hemostatic materials.