Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers accelerate hemostasis in patients treated with antiplatelet drugs.

Background: Nanofibers consisting of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (pGlcNAc), as the functional component of products for surface hemostasis, have been shown to activate platelets and thereby the clotting mechanism. The nanofiber-activated platelets provide a catalytic surface for acceleration of the intrinsic coagulation cascade, thrombin generation, and fibrin polymerization.

Methods: Thromboelastographic analysis was undertaken to study the role of the pGlcNAc nanofibers in platelet activation and acceleration of fibrin polymerization.