This study evaluates compositions of
tantalum-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (Ta-MBG) powders using a porcine fatal liver injury model. The powders based on (80-x)SiO2-15CaO-5P2O5-xTa2O5 compositions with x = 0 (0Ta/Ta-free), 1 (1Ta), and 5 (5Ta) mol% were made using a
sol-gel process. A class IV
hemorrhage condition was simulated on the animals; hemodynamic data and biochemical analysis confirmed the life-threatening condition. Ta-MBGs were able to stop the
bleeding within 10 min of their application while the bleeds in the absence of any intervention or in the presence of a commercial agent, AristaTM (Bard Davol Inc., Rhode Island, USA) continued for up to 45 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of the
blood clots showed that the presence of Ta-MBGs did not affect clot morphology. Rather, the connections seen between
fibrin fibers of the
blood clot and Ta-MBG powders point towards the powders' surfaces embracing
fibrin. Histopathological analysis of the liver tissue showed 5Ta as the only composition reducing parenchymal
hemorrhage and
necrosis extent of the tissue after their application. Additionally, 5Ta was also able to form an adherent clot in worst-case scenario
bleeding where no adherent clot was seen before the
powder was applied. In vivo results from the present study agree with in vitro results of the previous study that 5Ta was the best Ta-MBG composition for
hemostatic purposes. Graphical abstract.