Development of Composite Sponge Scaffolds Based on Carrageenan (CRG) and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) for...

In this study, a novel absorbable hemostatic agent was developed using carrageenan (CRG) as a natural polymer and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs). CRG-CeO₂-0.5 and CRG-CeO₂-1 composites were prepared by compositing CeO₂ to CRG + CeO₂ at a weight ratio of 0.5:100 and 1:100, respectively. The physicochemical and structural properties of these compounds were studied and compared with pristine CRG. Upon incorporation of CeO₂ nanoparticles into the CRG matrix, significant reductions in hydrogel degradation were observed. In addition, it was noted that CRG-CeO₂ exhibited better antibacterial and hemostatic properties than CRG hydrogel without CeO₂ NPs. The biocompatibility of the materials was tested using the NIH 3T3 cell line, and all samples were found to be nontoxic. Particularly, CRG-CeO₂-1 demonstrated superior hemostatic effects, biocompatibility, and a lower degradation rate since more CeO₂ NPs were present in the CRG matrix. Therefore, CRG-CeO₂-1 has the potential to be used as a hemostatic agent and wound dressing.