Self-Cross-Linked Oxidized Sodium Alginate/Gelatin/Halloysite Hydrogel as Injectable, Adhesive, Antibacterial Dressing for Hemostasis

Hemorrhage and infection of wounds are major causes of death; hence, the development of hemostasis materials with antibacterial properties is of significant importance. In this study, a composite hydrogel (OSA/Gel/HNTs) was designed through a one-step approach by using oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) and gelatin as a matrix with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as nanofillers in the presence of borax. The interactions among HNTs, OSA, and gelatin were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and microscopic morphology. By the synergistic action of Schiff base cross-linking, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction, the hydrogels showed good injectability, skin adhesion, and self-healing properties. HNTs effectively increased the degree of cross-linking of hydrogels, shortened the gelation time (∼202 s), enhanced the mechanical properties (∼332 kPa), and reduced the swelling. OSA/Gel/HNTs hydrogels showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, the composite hydrogel showed good hemostatic properties by shortening the clotting time and decreasing the bleeding volume in a mouse liver hemorrhage model and a femoral artery injury model. Therefore, OSA/Gel/HNTs hydrogels have promising application prospects in hemostasis and wound healing areas.