Work

Shape‐Morphing Nanoengineered Hydrogel Ribbons as Hemostats

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid and effective hemorrhage control remains a major challenge in trauma and surgical care, particularly for complex or noncompressible wounds. Existing hemostatic biomaterials frequently form monolithic, low‐porosity structures with limited injectability and rely on external stimuli, constraining their clinical utility. This study introduces a shape‐morphing nanoengineered hydrogel ribbon system to address these limitations. The bilayer hydrogel ribbons, comprising an active and inactive layer, undergo temperature‐induced curling and subsequent aggregation under physiological conditions, generating a porous, interlocked network. To achieve hemostatic functionality, the ribbons are surface‐functionalized with Laponite (nSi)–polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, conferring procoagulant and adhesive activity. The shape‐morphing behavior increases the effective surface area for blood–material interactions, while the combination of thermoresponsive actuation, physical interlocking, and bioactive surface coatings yields a multifunctional platform that integrates mechanical and biochemical cues to accelerate clot formation. The composite system exhibits high injectability, enhanced tissue adhesion, and substantially accelerated hemostasis, reducing in vitro clotting time by 67%. These effects are further validated in vivo, demonstrating an 80% reduction in clotting time and a 60% reduction in blood loss. This integrative strategy highlights the potential of shape‐morphing materials as rapid, injectable hemostats and provides an innovative approach for managing bleeding to improve clinical outcomes.

Source: Advanced Functional Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202521053