Injectable shape memory hydroxyethyl cellulose/soy protein isolate based composite sponge with antibacterial property for rapid noncompressible hemorrhage and prevention of wound infection

Uncontrollable hemorrhage and subsequent wound infection are severe threats to life, especially for the deep noncompressible massive bleeding. However, traditional hemostatic materials are ineffective for extreme bleeding and subsequent wound infection. Here, we prepared an injectable shape memory hydroxyethyl cellulose/soy protein isolate based composite sponge (EHSS) for rapid noncompressible hemorrhage and prevention of wound infection. The nano silver (AgNPs)-loaded shape memory sponge (EHP@Ag) was fabricated by mussel-inspired polydopamine coating EHSS sponge, then reducing and immobilizing AgNPs in situ. The EHP@Ag sponges showed rapid blood-triggered shape recovery speed, which is beneficial for administering noncompressible hemorrhage. The results of the hemostatic experiment in vivo demonstrated that EHP@Ag sponge exhibited a desirable hemostasis effect (hemostasis time: 22.75 ± 3.86 s, blood loss: 285.25 ± 24.93 mg) compared to the commercial gelatin sponge (hemostasis time: 49.25 ± 3.30 s, blood loss: 755.50 ± 24.45 mg). Meanwhile, the EHP@Ag sponge has an efficient antibacterial property. Furthermore, the antibacterial experiment in vivo showed that the EHP@Ag sponges could kill bacteria effectively and reduce the bacteria-induced inflammatory response. In summary, the shape memory sponges can quickly control bleeding and avoid bacterial infection, which shows great potential for clinical application as a multifunctional hemostatic agent.