Self-healing Chitosan-based Hydrogels as a Potential Platform for Enhanced Hemostasis

Abstract

Injectable self-healing hydrogels are promising biomaterials for wound management, as their ability to autonomously repair enables conformal sealing of irregular wounds. In this study, an injectable hydrogel was fabricated through Schiff base cross-linking of acrylamide-modified chitosan (AMCS) and 50% oxidized alginate (ADA). To enhance its mechanical robustness and hemostatic performance, chitin nanogels (CNGs) were incorporated as a reinforcing component. The structure-property relationships of the resulting hydrogel were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and rheological analysis. Rheological studies confirmed that the composite hydrogel (AANGH) exhibited a superior storage modulus and more robust self-healing recovery compared to the base hydrogel (AAH3). MTT assays using L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated outstanding cytocompatibility, with cell viability maintained at over 100%. Furthermore, in vivo hemostatic assessment demonstrated effective hepatic hemorrhage control, characterized by significantly reduced blood loss, shortened hemostasis time, and favorable antibacterial properties. This work establishes that AANGH is an effective strategy for creating a mechanically robust, self-healing, and highly biocompatible chitosan-based hydrogel with strong potential for hemostatic applications.