An injectable CMCS/ODEX/TA/HNTs hydrogel dressing with excellent hemostatic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties

Traditional wound dressings frequently exhibit issues such as inadequate adhesion to irregular wound surfaces, a tendency to induce secondary tissue damage, and limited multifunctionality, posing significant challenges in clinical practice. This study presents a novel injectable hydrogel dressing (CMCS/ODEX/TA/HNTs) that integrates multiple mechanisms, thereby imparting superior hemostatic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. CMCS and ODEX form a reversible three-dimensional network via a rapid Schiff base reaction. Upon injection, these materials can rapidly gelatinize in situ, adaptively filling the cavities of complex wounds. TA serves as a multifunctional crosslinking agent, significantly enhancing the hydrogel’s mechanical strength, self-healing properties, antioxidant capacity, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity through robust hydrogen bonds and covalent interactions. A crucial aspect of this enhancement is the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). By leveraging their excellent dispersibility in both the aqueous phase and polymer matrix, along with their unique tubular structure and high specific surface area, HNTs not only improve tissue adhesion and mechanical integrity but also promote platelet aggregation, facilitate the sustained release of bioactive factors, and markedly enhance the hemostatic effect. In vivo experiments on rat tail cut off and liver injury models have revealed that the hemostatic efficacy of CMCS/ODEX/TA/HNTs hydrogel surpasses that of commercial hemostatic sponges, ensuring swift hemostasis. In vitro studies have showcased its substantial antibacterial capabilities, while animal trials have further validated its superior hemostatic performance compared to conventional sponges. The synergistic combination of its multifunctional attributes, encompassing antibacterial, antioxidant, and highly effective hemostatic properties, presents a promising approach for managing wound infections. Particularly suited for challenging emergency scenarios, this hydrogel holds significant promise for clinical translation.