One-step fabrication of chitosan sponge and its potential for rapid hemostasis in deep trauma

Abstract In this paper, a facile and efficient preparation strategy for a porous and hydrophilic chitosan sponge is demonstrated, combining a surfactant and a pore-foaming agent. The resulting chitosan sponge possesses an interconnected pore structure and soft texture, exhibits fast water absorption rate and capacity, and the compressed sponge can achieve full shape recovery 5 s after absorbing water. Moreover, our process removes the residual acid commonly found in chitosan sponges prepared by the acid method. In addition, the results demonstrate the useful characteristics of our chitosan sponge, in terms of its contribution to improved blood coagulation, together with its compression strength and biocompatibility. It also demonstrates effective antibacterial properties in relation to both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Further testing via animal experimentation reveals that rapid hemostasis can be achieved within 50 s using our chitosan sponge.