Rational design of freeze-crosslinked polysaccharide sponges for efficient non-compressible hemostasis and liver repair

Non-compressible hemorrhage is a life-threatening challenge, and shape-memory hemostatic sponges that require no removal are ideal for inaccessible hemorrhage wounds. In this study, we freeze-crosslinked two polysaccharides by tuning their ratios to fully utilize their inherent physiochemical properties. The obtained shape memory sponges exhibit tunable mechanical properties, high absorbent capacities, and compression resilience. The effect of Oxidizing bacteria cellulose (OBC)/Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) ratios on their hemostatic behaviors and liver repair was also systemically studied. In particular, both in vitro coagulation and in vivo hemostasis experiments suggest that the sponges of high OBC/CMCS ratio perform better in terms of compression resilience and hemostasis. The in vitro culture of primary hepatocytes and histological analysis of livers implanted with OBC/CMCS sponges suggest those of high OBC/CMCS ratios are conducive for hepatocytes adhesion and promote liver repair by microvessel formation and cell infiltration with reduced inflammatory effects or foreign body reactions. These easily manufactured hemostatic sponges are suitable for uncontrollable hemorrhage and in situ tissue repair, providing guidance for the rational design of next-generation hemostatic materials.