A Hydrogel-Based First-Aid Tissue Adhesive with Effective Hemostasis and Antibacterial Properties for Trauma Emergency Management

The study introduces a novel carboxymethyl chitosan/polyaldehyde dextran (CMCS/PD) hydrogel designed as a first-aid tissue adhesive for trauma emergency management. This hydrogel demonstrates rapid gel-forming capabilities (~5 seconds), strong adhesive strength (~10 kPa), and effective antibacterial properties. It shows excellent hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, making it suitable for emergency use. In vivo tests on rat models for liver hemorrhage, tail severance, and skin wound infection reveal that the CMCS/PD hydrogel achieves rapid hemostasis and superior anti-infection performance compared to commercial products like Surgiflo® and Prontosan®. The hydrogel's properties suggest its potential as a liquid first-aid bandage for minimally invasive surgical treatments.