Potential hemostatic agent based on extracted pectin from calamansi peels (Citrus microcarpa) blende with polyethylene oxide

Over the years, researches have been made to develop hemostatic products for specific purposes such as surgical procedures, tissue adhesives and non-surgical purposes. Due to its crucial application, comercially hemostatic agents are usually costly. However, some reports revealed that some of these products may impose side effects. This study aimed to produce potential hemostatic agents from extracted pectin of Calamansi peels (Citrus microcarpa) blended with polyethylene oxide. Calamansi peels were gathered and extracted. THe obtained pectin was confirmed using FT-IR analysis. After the sample confirmation, pectin was mixed with polyethylene oxide having pectin/PEO concentrations of 0.5/5, 1.0/5 and 1.5/5. The viscous solutions formed were subjected to irradiation. The following doses were applied: 10,15 and 20 kGY. The gels recovered were dried and ground into small particles. Gels formed upon irradiation were characterized by means of gel fraction and swelling. Blood samples were collected in a slaughter house located in Vitas,Tondo and in Valenzuela City. Blood clothing assay was performed. Celox granules were used as the positive control. Absorbance of the samples and controls were measured and compared. According to the results obtained from the experiment, pectin/polyethylene oxide blends exhibits hemostatic properties. Moreover, as the radiation dose and pectin concentration increases, the blood clotting ability of the samples also increases. Mean absorbance of the samples were compared using One-way ANOVA (p>0.05). Samples having 1.5% pectin have lower absorbance compared to Celox. Absorbance of 0.5% AEP/5% PEO and 1% AEP/5% PEO at 15 kGy showed a significantly higher absorbance than that of Celox. Results of the evaluated samples are comparable to Celox, however the rest of it did not show any significant difference. (author)