Nanofibrous chitin/Andrias davidianus skin secretion bioactive sponges with tunable biodegradation rates for bleeding wounds treatment

Abstract

Shape-memory sponges offer unique prospects for the treatment of uncontrollable bleeding. However, the development of mechanically robust and bioactive shape-memory hemostatic sponges capable of addressing diverse wound scenarios, including noncompressible hemorrhages and bone bleeding, remains a challenge. Herein, a shape-memory nanofibrous sponge composed of chitin (Chn) nanofibers and a bioactive material of skin secretion of Andrias davidianus (SSAD) is fabricated for effective hemorrhage control. The obtained Chn/SSAD sponge exhibits a series of coveted properties, such as tunable biodegradation rate, high water/blood absorption capacity, rapid shape recovery, as well as procoagulant, antibacterial and pro-osteogenesis abilities. The biomedical efficacy of the Chn/SSAD sponges was assessed in vivo using rat models of liver-perforation hemorrhage and alveolar bone defect. This innovative shape-memory Chn/SSAD sponge shows great promise in addressing diverse wound conditions.