Berberine-Coated Biomimetic Composite Microspheres for Simultaneously Hemostatic and Antibacterial Performance

Biomimetic microspheres containing alginate/carboxymethylcellulose/gelatin and coated with 0%, 1%, 3%, and 6% berberine (BACG, BACG-1B, BACG-3B, BACG-6B) were prepared by the oil-in-water emulsion method combined with spray drying. Through a series of physicochemical parameters and determination of hemostatic properties in vitro and in vivo, the results indicated that BACG and BACG-Bs were effective in inducing platelet adhesion/aggregation and promoting the hemostatic potential due to their biomimetic structure and rough surface. In addition, BACG-6B with high berberine proportion presented better hemostatic performance compared with the commercial hemostatic agent compound microporous polysaccharide hemostatic powder (CMPHP). BACG-6B also showed strong antibacterial activity in the in vitro test. The hemolysis test and cytotoxicity evaluation further revealed that the novel composite biomaterials have good hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. Thus, BACG-6B provides a new strategy for developing a due-functional (hemostat/antibacterial) biomedical material, which may have broad and promising applications in the future.

Automated summary

Biomimetic microspheres prepared by spray drying containing alginate/carboxymethylcellulose/gelatin and coated with different berberine proportions showed effectiveness in inducing platelet adhesion/aggregation and promoting hemostasis, with BACG-6B exhibiting superior hemostatic performance and strong antibacterial activity compared to the commercial hemostatic agent CMPHP. These novel biomaterials also demonstrated good hemocompatibility and biocompatibility, suggesting potential for broad applications in the future as a dual-functional (hemostat/antibacterial) biomedical material.