A bicomposite material based on collagen is prepared which has two closely
bound layers and is biocompatible, non-toxic, hemostatic and
biodegradable in less than a month, and can be used in surgery to achieve
hemostasis and prevent post-surgical adhesion. To prepare the material, a
solution of collagen or gelatin, which may contain glycerine and a
hydrophilic additive such as polyethylene glycol or a polysaccharide, is
poured onto an inert support to form a layer 30 .mu.m to less than 100
.mu.m thick. Then a polymeric porous fibrous layer is applied during
gelling of the collagen or gelatin, and the resultant material is dried.
The polymeric porous fibrous layer may be made of collagen or a
polysaccharide, and have a density of not more than 75 mg/cm.sup.2, a
pore size from 30 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m and a thickness of 0.2 cm to 1.5 cm.