Nanofiber-based Multifunctional Microspheres for Rapid Hemostasis and Microorganism Removal of Water

Constructing hemostats capable of effectively controlling severe hemorrhage from irregular wounds presents significant challenges and imperatives. In this study, a novel approach is introduced using nanofibrous chitin microspheres (NCM) that are compressed to 60% strain (NCM-60%) to amplify their water-initiated expansion performance. This unique capacity allows NCM-60% to efficiently conform to and fill irregular bleeding cavities, even those of varying depths and curvatures, thereby promoting rapid blood coagulation at deep hemorrhage sites. NCM-60% exhibits effective control of severe femoral artery and "J"-shaped liver hemorrhages in 151 ± 6 s and 68 ± 15 s, respectively, revealing its exceptional hemostatic efficacy. Furthermore, NCM-60% exhibited promising capabilities in removing microbes from water, achieving removal rates of over 96% of bacteria. Blood compatibility assessments and cytotoxicity tests further confirmed the favorable biocompatibility of NCM-60%. Importantly, NCM-60% is found to biodegrade and be absorbed in vivo within 12 weeks. This study represents the first instance of leveraging chitin nanofiber-based biomaterials to design water-initiated expansion micro-hemostat, and integrate hemostatic functions with waterborne microorganism removal, thereby expanding the potential applications of micro-nanostructural materials in emergency first-aid scenarios.