A Multifunctional Shape-Adaptive Bilayer Hydrogel for Acute Hemostasis, Wound Repair, and Insect Bite Defense.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Trauma Management

Background:

• Fieldwork poses risks of traumatic wounds, leading to bleeding, insect bites, and infections.
• Conventional dressings lack the ability to provide both rapid hemostasis and physical protection against insect threats.
• There is a critical need for advanced wound dressings capable of managing complex field trauma scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a shape-adaptive bilayer hydrogel dressing with multifunctional capabilities for field trauma.
• To create a dressing that offers rapid hemostasis, promotes wound repair, and provides a physical barrier against insects.
• To establish a new design for advanced wound dressings applicable to demanding environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of a bilayer hydrogel with a hemostatic bottom layer (PPTY) and a protective top layer (AP).
• Incorporation of chitosan and sodium citrate for in situ formation and a self-renewing armor layer in the AP layer.
• Evaluation of hemostatic efficacy in rat models of femoral artery puncture and tail vein bleeding.
• Assessment of wound healing promotion, tissue adhesion, and moisture retention properties.

Main Results:

• The PPTY-AP hydrogel achieved autogelation within 3 seconds upon blood contact.
• The top armor protective layer (AP) demonstrated resistance to pressures up to 942 kPa.
• In vivo studies showed significant reduction in blood loss and hemostasis time in rat models.
• The hydrogel exhibited excellent tissue adhesion and moisture retention, accelerating full-thickness skin wound healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed PPTY-AP hydrogel is a multifunctional dressing providing rapid hemostasis, wound repair, and physical protection.
• This rapidly deployable hydrogel offers a promising solution for managing field trauma.
• The study presents a novel design paradigm for advanced, field-ready wound care solutions.