Injectable Montmorillonite Nanoclay-Reinforced Hydrogel for Rapid Hemostasis in Noncompressible Torso Hemorrhage

Noncompressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) presents a significant challenge in trauma care, necessitating innovative hemostatic approaches. This study reports the development of an injectable composite hydrogel incorporating montmorillonite nanoclay, carboxymethyl cellulose, and oxidized xanthan gum cross-linked via acyl hydrazone linkages. The hydrogel demonstrates exceptionally rapid gelation, solidifying within 5 s at the wound site, thereby enabling immediate hemostatic action. Integration of montmorillonite nanoclay significantly enhances both the hemostatic efficacy and mechanical stability of the hydrogel, with a compressive strength of 0.12 MPa. In rat liver injury models, application of this hydrogel reduced hemostasis time by over 80% and blood loss by more than 85% compared to conventional treatments. Furthermore, biocompatibility and biodegradability assessments indicated minimal inflammatory response and effective support for tissue regeneration. The hydrogel's ability to rapidly form a stable, conformal seal at injury sites highlights its potential as a minimally invasive therapeutic agent for NCTH and other severe bleeding scenarios, as well as a promising scaffold for tissue repair post-hemostasis.