A Biodegradable Fish-Derived Gelatin–Chitosan Sponge as a Novel Hemostatic Agent in a Rat Tooth Extraction Model

Background: Rapid hemostasis is essential in oral surgery to minimize blood loss, prevent postoperative complications, and promote early wound healing. This study developed freeze-dried fish-derived gelatin–chitosan composite sponges with different polymer compositions (G100, GC75, GC50, and GC25) and regularly investigated the relationships among scaffold microstructure, physicochemical properties, biological performance, and hemostatic efficacy. Methods: The sponges were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, swelling, and degradation analyses. Biological performance was evaluated through cytocompatibility and antibacterial assays, while hemostatic function was assessed using BCI, BCT, fibrin generation, PT, and PTT. Results: Among the formulations, the gelatin-rich composite GC75 exhibits an interconnected porous structure, high fluid-absorption capacity, and a distinct degradation profile while maintaining acceptable cytocompatibility. Compared with the other formulations and a commercial gelatin sponge, GC75 demonstrated significantly enhanced hemostatic performance, as evidenced by lower BCI values, shorter BCT, and accelerated fibrin generation (all p < 0.001), while maintaining physiological PT and aPTT values. In a rat tooth extraction model, GC75 significantly reduced bleeding time and achieved hemostatic efficacy comparable to or better than the commercial control. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of gelatin-rich fish-derived gelatin–chitosan composite sponges as biodegradable hemostatic biomaterials for oral surgical applications.