Pomegranate Peel Chitosan Gelatin Composite: A Hemostatic Dental Sponge with Antibacterial Enhancement

The study developed a biodegradable hemostatic dental sponge made from gelatin, chitosan, and pomegranate peel extract, designed to manage bleeding and prevent infection post-tooth extraction. The sponge, created using a green foaming method and freeze-drying, demonstrated strong mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 0.776 MPa and significant water absorption of 927.1%. It showed good hydrophilicity and reduced blood clotting time, with the CS-GE sponge achieving a clotting time of 161 seconds. The addition of pomegranate peel extract slightly enhanced its antibacterial properties. The composite sponge is biocompatible, with minimal hemolysis, and offers potential for various dental and wound care applications due to its balanced biodegradability, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and blood absorption properties.