Nanoengineered and highly porous 3D chitosan-graphene scaffold for enhanced antibacterial activity and rapid hemostasis.

Chitosan-based hydrogels have been utilized over the years as an efficient hemorrhage because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability nature. Here we have nanoengineered the polycationic peptide-conjugated graphene‑silver nanocomposite into the chitosan matrix as a 3D highly porous CGrSP scaffold to facilitate rapid hemostasis and prevent bacterial infection. This CGrSP scaffold interacted with blood cells and platelets, initiating the blood coagulation process by activating the plasmatic contact system. Notably, it reduced the activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT), indicating that the scaffold promoted platelet activation associated with Factors XII and X, leading to fibrin formation and clot stabilization. In vitro studies showed that the CGrSP scaffold reduced whole blood clotting time by 87 % compared to the commercial dressing "QuikClot." Additionally, in vivo studies using rat-tail amputation and skin laceration models demonstrated a significant reduction in hemostatic time compared to both the chitosan scaffold (p-value<0.003) and "QuikClot" (p-value<0.01). Beyond its hemostatic properties, the CGrSP scaffold exhibited strong antibacterial activity, achieving a 5-log reduction against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. With its biodegradable nature, rapid hemostasis, and potential for tissue regeneration, the CGrSP scaffold presents a novel and safe therapeutic material.