Injectable self-healing hydrogels loaded with Crinis Carbonisatus nanoparticles for rapid hemostasis and wound healing†

Abstract

Uncontrolled hemorrhage and infection are leading causes of post-traumatic deaths in both clinical and battlefield settings. Although several wound dressings have been developed, rapid and effective hemostasis and wound healing promotion in irregular and non-compressible wounds remain serious challenges. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel (HPCS-C/ODEX/CC hydrogel) was developed using two natural polysaccharide derivatives, catechol-modified hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCS-C) and oxidized dextran (ODEX), as well as Crinis Carbonisatus (CC) nanoparticles for rapid hemostasis and wound healing. The hydrogels exhibited favorable injectability and self-healing properties due to dynamic Schiff bonds between HPCS-C and ODEX. The introduction of catechol molecules in HPCS-C enhanced tissue adhesion, while the incorporation of CC nanoparticles also promoted the aggregation of blood cells to form a thrombus, enabling the hydrogel to rapidly establish a robust hemostatic barrier in various complex wounds. As a result, the HPCS-C/ODEX/CC hydrogel reduced bleeding in liver and tail hemorrhage models by 84.11–94.34% and 70.12–92.37%, respectively. The hydrogels also exhibited excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing promoting properties. Overall, HPCS-C/ODEX/CC hydrogels represent a promising dressing for rapidly and effectively stopping bleeding and promoting wound healing, offering a viable strategy for the treatment of uncontrollable bleeding and improving the survival of trauma patients.