Reversible High-Affinity Binding of Coagulation Factor Xa to Zeolites Induces Accelerated Blood Coagulation

Zeolite is recognized as an essential hemostatic material for controlling massive bleeding. Elucidating the procoagulant mechanism of zeolite is critically important, as it will facilitate the rational design of more effective zeolite-based hemostatic materials. In this study, it is discovered an extremely strong, calcium-dependent interaction between coagulation factor Xa (FXa) and zeolite-termed target-specific biorecognition-that mimics the FXa/factor Va (FXa/FVa) interface formed during the natural coagulation cascade. This interaction alters the prothrombin activation pathway to a more efficient mechanism, significantly amplifying FXa activity. Notably, the complex structure and FXa activity can be reversibly modulated through Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ion exchange of zeolites, offering a novel strategy for dynamically tuning enzymatic activity. Furthermore, this protein-zeolite based biorecognition system, mediated by reversible interactions, represents a promising biomimetic platform for regulating protein bioactivity in cell-free applications, extending its utility beyond hemostatic material development.