Effect of Tragacanth Gum on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fish Collagen Sponge for Hemostatic Dressing Applications Publisher



Siaghi M ; Nazemi Z ; Janmohammadi M ; Radmanesh F
Source: Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications Published:2026

Abstract

Fish skin collagen sponges represent a promising, cost-effective alternative for hemostatic agents, but are restricted by their low mechanical strength, stability, and adsorption capacity. To address these limitations, we incorporated tragacanth gum (TG) –a readily available polysaccharide in Iran– into the collagen matrix (Col), forming protein-polysaccharide hydrogels via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Various collagen-to-tragacanth gum ratios were explored, and physical hydrogels were converted into sponges using a freeze-drying process. Among the synthesized materials, the hybrid hydrogel with equal proportions (Col50–TG50) displayed optimal performance, with a gelation time approximately half that of the pure collagen hydrogel (67 s). Its water content peaked at 97% after 2 h, and the sponge reached an impressive swelling ratio of 300% within 160 s. Notably, Col50–TG50 maintained structural integrity over 10 days and retained 20% of its initial weight after 15 days. This hydrogel also achieved the high porosity (83%) and compressive strength (14 kPa), significantly outperforming the pure collagen control. Hemolysis tests confirmed excellent blood compatibility, with only 2.5% hemolysis within the acceptable biomedical range. In summary, Col50–TG50 sponges exhibit enhanced mechanical and hemostatic properties, highlighting their strong potential for clinical hemostatic applications. © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/