Heat preservation, antifouling, hemostatic and antibacterial aerogel wound dressings for emergency treatment

Hemostatic dressings with multiple functions are superior to current hemostatic dressings for use in the complex situation of emergency accidents. In particular, the existing dressings lack consideration for the prevention of hypothermic shock after massive hemorrhage. In this study, gelatin (GN) and oxidized pectin (OP) were used for Schiff base cross-linking, and then polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution mixed with hemostatic caffeic acid (CA) was introduced to obtain aerogel substrate material (CB) after lyophilization. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silver nanowires (Ag NWs) were used to construct a hydrophobic layer, an antibacterial layer and an infrared reflective layer on both sides of CB to prepare a multifunctional aerogel wound dressing with heat preservation, antifouling, hemostasis and antibacterial properties (PDMS-Ag NW-CB). The results showed that the infrared transmittance of PDMS-Ag NW-CB is almost 0, so that thermal energy loss from the body is minimized. The contact angles with water and blood are 129 degrees and 120 degrees, respectively, which have the effect of antifouling. This dressing can absorb blood quickly within 10 min, adhere to and gather platelets, and achieve hemostasis. It has good antibacterial and biocompatibility. Therefore, PDMS-Ag NW-CB has great potential in application to emergency treatment.

Automated summary

Hemostatic dressings with multiple functions are superior to current dressings for emergency accidents, as they address the issue of hypothermic shock after massive hemorrhage. This study developed a multifunctional aerogel wound dressing (PDMS-Ag NW-CB) with heat preservation, antifouling, hemostasis, and antibacterial properties. The dressing demonstrated low infrared transmittance, antifouling effects, and quick blood absorption for hemostasis. It also exhibited good antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility, making it suitable for emergency treatment.