About PuraGel®
Learn the science behind PuraGel®, an MIT-developed hydrogel that aids in the natural
healing process, prevents adhesion, and promotes hemostasis.
How PuraGel® Works
The Science Behind PuraGel®
The PuraGel® synthetic oligopeptide belongs to a group called Self-Assembling Peptides (SAPs). The peptide is a 16-unit oligopeptide termed RADA16 composed of four repeating amino acid sequences of four amino acids, Arginine (R) – Alanine (A) – Aspartic acid (D) – Alanine (A). Within the 16-amino acid monomer sequence, the alternating positively and negatively charged amino acids (arginine and aspartic acid), along with the non-polar alanines between the charged amino acids, create two distinct structural surfaces, one hydrophilic and the other hydrophobic.
The electronic interaction of the positive and negative charges and the hydrophobic bonds between side chains of the neutral amino acids and hydrogen bonds of peptide main chains facilitate the proper positioning of adjacent peptide molecules. The monomer building-blocks form β-sheet structures via non-covalent interactions. When exposed to physiological pH (blood or tissue), the β-sheet structures increase in number and the solution gels, resulting in the formation of a nanofibrous hydrogel. PuraGel® achieves its hemostatic effects by forming a 3-dimensional hydrogel matrix barrier that blocks the flow of blood at the site of application.
PuraGel®, at a basic structural level, is composed of a matrix of nanofibrils formed from individual peptide monomers. These fibrils are 10-20 nm in diameter and are interwoven to create an ordered structure with 50-100 nm pore sizes. This woven network structure, or matrix barrier, is similar to the microarchitecture of endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM). The formation of the nanofibrous hydrogel is shown at a microscopic and macroscopic level in the Figure below.
A) PuraGel monomers form β-sheet structures via non-covalent interactions. These β-sheets form the fibril structures that constitute the nanofibrous hydrogel scaffold as shown in the electron micrograph.
B) PuraGel (2.5% RADA and 97.5% water) forms a clear gel upon pH neutralization such as when exposed to physiological concentrations of salt or physiological fluids.
How is PuraGel® Applied?
PuraGel® is a sterile gel containing self-assembling synthetic peptides and sterile water. Prepared for use in a prefilled syringe with 2.5% peptide content, PuraGel® is ready to use with a straight sterile applicator or luer lock adapter.
PuraGel® is applied intra-operatively in liquid form and is transparent, enabling continuous monitoring of the surgical site. Exposure to physiological fluids such as blood causes the peptide solution to quickly form a hydrogel matrix without expansion in volume. It is thus a product well designed for use during surgical and endonasal endoscopic procedures.
A Clear Synthetic Hydrogel Matrix For Wounds
PuraGel® is a revolutionary synthetic peptide hydrogel that supports healing in the treatment of surgical and traumatic wounds in the nasal and sinus cavities. PuraGel® is composed of a synthetic self-assembling peptide that forms a hydrogel which provides a mechanical barrier to help blood flow to aid hemostasis and prevent postoperative adhesion formation.
PuraGel® is formulated with advanced peptide technology to ensure maximum efficacy and safety for patients. PuraGel® is completely non-animal and non-plant derived and contains no preservatives that might present a risk of allergic reaction or skin irritation.
The concept behind PuraGel® was to create a product for medical professionals that may be used not only as a wound dressing and adjunct to natural healing, but also a hemostat for minimal bleeding and as a space-occupying stent to separate mucosal surfaces and reduce the formation of adhesions.
In the presence of body fluid or tissue, the peptide hydrogel formation occurs in a matter of seconds. The material’s structure is similar to processed methylcellulose and other organically based materials that present similar nanofibrous structures or are physically arranged by their peptide building-blocks into helical or stable β-sheet structures. This type of molecular self-assembly is, by definition, the result of non-covalent interactions causing the spontaneous, physical organization of molecules into structurally well-defined arrangements under thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. The self-assembly of PuraGel® monomers into a nanofibrous hydrogel scaffold is inherent to the physical arrangement of the peptide building-blocks.
The stable macroscopic scaffold of the PuraGel® hydrogel is similar in structure and size to other organically based fibril structures such as collagen, methylcellulose, and collagen-based gelatin products (i.e., GelFoam, SurgiFoam) form β-sheet and fibril-based structures with high water content based on their ability to form a scaffold. In the United States, PuraGel® is available to healthcare professionals in a 3-mL syringe.
Healing with PuraGel®
The process of healing takes place as the body works to repair tissues that have been damaged from factors such as nasal trauma and surgery.
PuraGel® forms a 3-dimensional transparent hydrogel scaffold to coat the point of bleeding and aid in the natural healing process. PuraGel® is directly applied to the affected area in the patientʼs endonasal sinuses and nasal cavity and quickly undergoes gelation on contact with tissue. PuraGel® has no swelling capacity.
Adhesion Prevention
with PuraGel®
PuraGel® is applied intra-operatively or after nasal trauma. Since PuraGel® does not contain components that promote fibrogenesis or scar formation, such as thrombin, applying the gel to the sinonasal wounds creates a barrier between surfaces to prevent adhesion formation.-
Hemostasis with
PuraGel®
PuraGel®
When applied, PuraGel® reacts immediately upon contact with physiological fluid or tissue, forming a peptide hydrogel barrier on the wound. Since it remains transparent, medical professionals can clearly visualize the bleeding point during application.
Uniquely
Transparent
Transparent
Unlike other solutions, PuraGel® is uniquely transparent, making it a clear, self-assembling synthetic peptide solution. Particularly handy for ENT specialists, PuraGel®ʼs transparency makes it ideal for applications during endoscopy.
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