The efficient hemostatic effect of Antarctic krill chitosan is related to its hydration property.

Antarctic krill chitosan (A-Chitosan) was first evaluated in its hemostatic effect in this study. The prepared A-Chitosan powder showed low level of crystallinity and significantly high water binding capacity as 1293% (w/w). By mice tail amputation model and blood coagulation timing experiment, it is showed that this chitosan accelerated the tail hemostasis by 55% and shortened the blood clotting time by 38%. This efficacy was better than two other commercial chitosans investigated and was corresponding to their water binding capacities. Through examining the effect of chitosan on blood components, it could be found that platelets adhesion was mainly affected by the water binding capacity, and red blood cells aggregation was dependent on their deacetylation degree. The physicochemical properties resulted in better hydration property of chitosan would improve its hemostatic effect. These results suggested that Antarctic krill chitosan is a good candidate for hemostatic application.