3D Printed Hybrid Aerogel Gauzes Enable Highly Efficient Hemostasis.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Controlling bleeding from traumatic injuries is critical.
• Developing effective hemostatic materials with enhanced blood cell accumulation remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate novel aerogel filaments for improved hemostasis.
• To create a material that enhances blood component enrichment for efficient bleeding control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D printing for directed assembly of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on Kevlar nanofiber (KNF) networks.
• Fabricated hydrophilic, biocompatible, and mechanically stable KNF-PVA aerogel filaments.
• Evaluated water absorption, permeability, and particle enrichment capabilities.

Main Results:

• KNF-PVA aerogel gauzes exhibited high water permeability (338 mL cm⁻² s⁻¹ bar⁻¹) and absorption speed (9.64 g g⁻¹ min⁻¹).
• The material demonstrated significant enrichment of micron-sized particles.
• In vivo rat liver laceration models showed halved hemostasis time (60 ± 4 s) and reduced blood loss by two thirds compared to Quikclot Gauze.

Conclusions:

• Developed a robust strategy for designing aerogel gauzes for hemostasis.
• KNF-PVA aerogel gauzes offer superior performance in controlling bleeding.
• This approach shows promise for various hemostasis applications.