A shape memory foam composite with enhanced fluid uptake and bactericidal properties as a hemostatic agent

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Trauma Care
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Uncontrolled hemorrhage causes over 30% of trauma deaths globally.
• Current hemostatic devices prioritize clotting time but neglect infection prevention.
• There is a critical need for advanced hemostatic agents that address both bleeding and bacterial contamination in trauma wounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel composite hemostatic device combining shape memory polymer (SMP) foam and hydrogel functionalities.
• To impart bactericidal properties using iodine complexed within the hydrogel component.
• To evaluate the retention of individual material advantages and the overall performance of the composite device for hemorrhage control.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite material integrating SMP foam with an iodine-doped hydrogel.
• Assessment of the hydrogel's bactericidal efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus.
• Quantification of fluid uptake by the hydrogel-coated SMP foam.
• Evaluation of the composite's shape memory behavior and expansion force in simulated physiological conditions.

Main Results:

• The iodine-doped hydrogel achieved an 80% reduction in bacterial viability.
• Hydrogel coating enhanced fluid uptake by the SMP foam by 19-fold.
• The composite exhibited significant volume expansion (>15×) while maintaining shape memory properties.
• Expansion forces were below 0.6N, indicating a low risk of tissue damage.

Conclusions:

• The developed SMP foam-hydrogel composite demonstrates superior fluid uptake and potent bactericidal activity.
• The material retains key functional properties, including shape memory and safe expansion, for effective hemostasis.
• This innovative composite holds significant promise as an advanced hemostatic agent for treating non-compressible trauma wounds.