Cationic superabsorbent hydrogel composed of mesoporous silica as a potential haemostatic material

The control of massive bleeding and its related wound infection is the main challenge for both military and civilian trauma centres. In this study, a cationic superabsorbent hydrogel coordinated by mesoporous silica (CSH-MS) was synthesized by free-radical polymerization for both haemostasis and antibacterial use. The as-prepared CSH-MS has a rough surface, and its water absorption is approximately 5000%. The resultant CSH-MS1 could promote blood cell aggregation and facilitate plasma protein activation via haemadsorption, resulting in efficient blood clot formation. Furthermore, CSH-MS1 (with approximately 5.06% contents of MS) dramatically reduces bleeding time and reduces blood loss in a rat-tail amputation model. Moreover, the CSH-MSs exhibits good antibacterial activities, excellent cytocompatibility and negligible haemolysis. Therefore, CSH-MS can serve as a novel type of haemostatic material in clinical applications.