A highly compressible and expandable cellulose sponge with arch-like lamellar structures for non-compressible...

The development of highly expandable sponges for non-compressible hemorrhage remains a challenge in both civilian and war scenarios. Herein, a cellulose-based highly expandable sponge with arch-like lamellar structure was prepared by introducing interlayer calcium ion cross-linking in the sponges obtained by bi-directional freezing. The cellulose sponge, which has an arched layered structure that can withstand large stress strain, is compressed into small sizes to enter narrow and deep bleeding points, and then expand about 11 times after liquid absorption to apply sufficient and constant pressure on the bleeding points. The sponge can quickly absorb a large amount of blood, causing blood cells to aggregate, and activate the coagulation pathway through carboxyl groups and calcium ions, and exhibit effective hemostatic performance in rat liver defect and femoral artery hemostasis models (blood loss was reduced to about 6.3 % compared with the untreated group). In conclusion, this highly compressible and expandable cellulose sponge with an arch-like lamellar structure is expected to be used for hemostasis of non-compressible hemorrhages.