Nanoporous Zeolite Anchored Cellulose Nanofiber Aerogel for Safe and Efficient Hemostasis

Clay-based hemostatic materials are commercially available devices designed to control massive bleeding. However, their widespread application is hindered by concerns related to material safety and hemostatic efficacy. In this study, a hemostatic aerogel composed of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and Calcium ion-exchanged nanoporous zeolite is developed. CNFs facilitate the in-situ synthesis of nanoporous zeolites, and the zeolites are firmly embedded within the aerogel through abundant hydrogen bonds. Notably, the zeolite loading in the aerogel is only 2.89 wt.%, significantly lower than the 18.76 wt.% kaolin content in QuikClot combat gauze. Despite the low loading, the nanoporous zeolites exhibit high efficiency in promoting prothrombin-to-thrombin conversion and accelerating blood clotting. The reduced zeolite content, combined with its strong binding to the aerogel matrix, minimizes the risks of exothermic burns and detached particle-induced distal thrombosis. The animal experiments reveal that the aerogel rapidly controls severe femoral artery bleeding and substantially reduces blood loss. This study presents a novel formulation of zeolite-based hemostatic materials, offering remarkable improvements in both safety and efficacy.