Network-Remodeling, Electroactive and Antibacterial Cryogel with Tissue Sealing and Pro-Coagulant Activity for Hemostasis and Skin Wound Healing

Abstract

Developing network-remodeling, electroactive and antibacterial cryogel with tissue sealing and pro-coagulant activity for wound repair and hemostasis remains challenging. Here, quaternized chitosan-graft-polyaniline (QCSP), oxidized dextran (OD), and benzaldehyde-terminated Pluronic F127 are used to prepare cryogel dressings (QP/OD/PF) with network remodeling, electroactivity, antibacterial, antioxidation, tissue sealing and blood concentration effect via in situ dual Schiff base crosslinking. The cryogel exhibits conductivity and network remodeling after water absorption and demonstrates degradation, rapid swelling, excellent antioxidation, adhesion, biocompatibility, photothermal and antibacterial property. Besides, the excellent hemostatic property of the cryogel is confirmed via mouse liver puncture bleeding model, rat liver cruciate incision bleeding model, and rat liver perforation model. The blood concentration effect, as well as the activation of platelets and blood cells by the cryogel, is confirmed. This functionality is successfully utilized to prepare biologically active blood clot/cryogel composite dressing (B-QP/OD/PF) to further promote skin wound healing. All the results of wound closure ratio, histological examination, immunofluorescence staining, and collagen deposition confirm that B-QP/OD/PF is superior to QP/OD/PF and other groups in promoting full-thickness mouse skin defect wound healing. This composite cryogel dressing opens up a new direction of development hemostatic dressing for hemostasis and further promoting wound healing.