A self-hygroscopic, rapidly self-gelling polysaccharide-based sponge with robust wet adhesion for non-compressible hemorrhage control and infected wounds healing

Uncontrollable non-compressible hemorrhage and traumatic infection have been major causes of mortality and disability in both civilian and military populations. A dressing designed for point-of-care control of non-compressible hemorrhage and prevention of traumatic infections represents an urgent medical need. Here, a novel self-gelling sponge OHN@ε-pL is developed, integrating N-succinimidyl ester oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHN) and ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-pL). Upon application to the wound site, the sponge can rapidly absorb interfacial fluids and undergo a phase transition from sponge to gel. The transformed gel facilitates robust tissue adhesion and achieves synergistic hemostasis by enriching coagulation factors within the sponge phase and providing a barrier effect in the gel phase. The in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the optimized OHN@ε-pL 3 sponge possesses self-gelling capability, tissue adhesion, enhanced coagulation ability, and exhibits excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy. In hemostasis, OHN@ε-pL 3 sponges exhibited reduced blood loss and decreased hemostatic time compared to commercial hemostatic agents, as demonstrated in rat liver, femoral vein, and tail truncation bleeding models. Furthermore, the OHN@ε-pL 3 sponge exhibited superior performance in accelerating wound closure and healing of S. aureus -infected wounds. Collectively, OHN@ε-pL sponges represent a promising candidate for medical dressings, specifically for managing uncontrollable non-compressible hemorrhage and traumatic infections. A self-gelling sponge (OHN@ε-pL 3 ) developed by compounding N-succinimidyl easter oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHN) with ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-pL) can self-gel upon absorbing blood and then seal the wound, thereby exerting hemostatic and pro-coagulation performance. The superior antibacterial properties of the OHN@ε-pL 3 gel also help to alleviate wound inflammation, promote collagen deposition, and enhance angiogenesis, thereby accelerating the healing of infected wounds. • A self-hygroscopic, fast-gelling polysaccharide sponge with strong wet adhesion has been developed. • The sponge transforms into an adhesive gel when it contacts blood or water-based fluids. • The sponge enhances coagulation and antibacterial processes, improving hemostasis and aiding infected wound healing.