Oppositely charged polysaccharide nanofibers coated gauze with hemostatic potential

Cotton gauze remains a clinically prevalent hemostatic material, yet its effectiveness remains compromised by bleeding. We have deposited cationic quaternized chitosan (QCS) and anionic catechol-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HADA) nanofibers onto cotton gauze to prepare QCS/HADA@gauze. Upon blood contact, oppositely charged nanofibers electrostatically adhere through complementary charge interactions. The interfiber complexation achieves dual hemostatic mechanisms by rapidly establishing a physical barrier while concurrently entrapping circulating blood components (erythrocytes and platelets). Furthermore, the QCS/HADA@gauze can adhere firmly to the tissue, preventing bleeding through the gap between the gauze and the tissue. Additionally, the QCS/HADA@gauze can be removed easily when needed by using NaCl solution. QCS/HADA@gauze exhibits superior coagulation and hemostatic performance than both cotton gauze and Combat Gauze™. Furthermore, QCS/HADA@gauze has exceptional biocompatibility and antibacterial activity. Our study confirms that this strategy for designing hemostatic fabric has considerable potential.