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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Natural Polymer-Based Hemostatic Hydrogels with Advanced Material and Structural Designs for Functional Applications
Lixin A1,2, Zhaoming Guo3, Chen Zhao2
1Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116089, China.
Pharmaceutics
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Natural polymer hydrogels show promise for controlling bleeding, but require enhanced mechanical strength and adhesion. Advances in material design and structure are improving their effectiveness for trauma and surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Uncontrolled hemorrhage is a critical issue in trauma and surgery, necessitating rapid hemostasis.
- Natural polymer hydrogels offer biocompatibility and biodegradability but lack mechanical robustness and adhesion for clinical use.
- Overcoming these limitations is key to improving patient survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in natural polymer-based hemostatic hydrogels.
- To explore material modification strategies, structural engineering, and functional integration for improved hemostasis.
- To discuss challenges and future directions for clinical translation of these biomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on natural polymer-based hemostatic hydrogels.
- Analysis of molecular modification strategies (charge, hydrophobicity, bioactivity) and structural architectures (porous, fibrous, nanocomposite).
- Evaluation of integrated multifunctional properties (antibacterial, regenerative, responsive behaviors).
Main Results:
- Molecular modifications enhance interfacial interactions, platelet adhesion, and coagulation.
- Advanced structural designs improve fluid absorption, mechanical resilience, and sealing efficiency.
- Integration of multifunctionalities broadens therapeutic potential beyond hemostasis.
Conclusions:
- Rational design of natural polymer hydrogels, considering material properties, interfacial behavior, and structure, is crucial for effective hemostasis.
- Significant progress has been made in enhancing mechanical properties, adhesion, and adding functionalities.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome current challenges for successful clinical translation of next-generation hemostatic biomaterials.

