A pH-Triggered Injectable Polyurethane-Based Hydrogel with Multibiological Functions for Rapid Hemostasis.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Wound Healing Technologies

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels are crucial for bleeding wounds but face challenges in balancing mechanical properties, injectability, and multifunctionality.
• Wound environments necessitate hemostatic materials with additional biological benefits beyond simple bleeding control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a polyurethane (PU)-based hemostatic injectable hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties and multi-biological functions.
• To overcome the limitations of existing hemostatic hydrogels regarding operation, mechanical integrity, and wound microenvironment compatibility.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a PU-based hydrogel incorporating a Schiff base for pH-responsive injectability and catechol groups for bioactivity.
• Utilized Schiff base chemistry for tunable elasticity (viscous in acidic, elastic in neutral pH) and catechol side groups for hemostasis and other functions.

Main Results:

• Achieved a PU hydrogel that is injectable in acidic conditions and stable in neutral environments.
• Demonstrated rapid hemostasis, self-healing, tissue adhesion, antibacterial, antioxidant properties, and promotion of wound healing via catechol groups.
• Successfully combined mechanical strength, controlled injectability, and multiple biological functions in one hydrogel system.

Conclusions:

• The developed PU-based hydrogel offers a promising solution for hemostatic injectable applications.
• This material design provides a new perspective for creating advanced wound care solutions with enhanced efficacy and versatility.