Chitosan-based photothermal synergistic antibacterial composite sponge achieves acute hemostasis and repair of infected wounds

This study introduces a multifunctional sponge (CS/EGO-EK) designed for rapid hemostasis and treatment of infected wounds. By integrating graphene oxide-grafted engineered kaolin nanotubes (EGO-EK) into a chitosan matrix, the composite demonstrated enhanced pore interconnectivity, mechanical strength, and fluid absorption. The EGO-EK component preserved biocompatibility while promoting platelet activation. In vitro , CS/EGO-EK exhibited approximately 2.1 times higher blood adsorption compared to pure chitosan, with significantly improved platelet adhesion. Antibacterial assays revealed over 99% inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus , which was further amplified by near-infrared (NIR) irradiation via photothermal synergy. In vivo , CS/EGO-EK reduced blood loss by 50–70% and shortened hemostasis time to approximately 40–60% of the control in rat models of tail, liver, and femoral artery injuries. In full-thickness infected wounds, CS/EGO-EK + NIR achieved over 97% wound closure and more than 95% bacterial reduction by day 14, along with enhanced epithelial regeneration and collagen deposition. These results underscore CS/EGO-EK as a promising platform that integrates structural optimization, kaolin-induced coagulation, and NIR-enhanced antibacterial effects for effective emergency bleeding control and infected wound healing.