A quaternized chitosan and carboxylated cellulose nanofiber-based sponge with a microchannel structure for rapid hemostasis and wound healing

A hemostatic sponge should perform rapid hemostasis and exhibit antibacterial properties, whilst being non-toxic, breathable, and degradable. This study prepared a hemostatic sponge (CQTC) with microchannels, spe-cifically a microchannel structure based on quaternized chitosan (QCS) and carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CCNF) obtained by using tannic acid and Cu2+ complex (crosslinking agent). The sponge had low density and high porosity, while being degradable. The combination of microchannels and three-dimensional porous struc-ture of CQTC leads to excellent liquid absorption and hemostasis ability, based on a liquid absorption rate test and in vitro hemostasis experiment. In addition, CQTC exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and it promoted wound healing. In conclusion, this porous and microchannel hemostatic sponge has broad application prospects as a clinical wound hemostatic material.

Automated summary

A hemostatic sponge with microchannels, based on quaternized chitosan and carboxylated cellulose nanofibers, was prepared using tannic acid and Cu2+ complex as a crosslinking agent. The sponge showed low density, high porosity, and excellent liquid absorption and hemostasis ability. It also exhibited strong antibacterial activity and promoted wound healing. This porous and microchannel hemostatic sponge has great potential as a clinical wound hemostatic material.