Zeolite firmly anchored regenerated cellulose aerogel for efficient and biosafe hemostasis

Zeolite-based hemostats are commercially available but are still troubled by the adverse effects of exothermic heat-caused tissue damage and detached zeolite-induced distal thrombosis. Here, we developed a facile and robust method to fabricate zeolite-embedded regenerated cellulose aerogel (Z-RCA) for safe and efficient hemostasis. Zeolite particles were extensively entangled by regenerated cellulose nanofibers via hydrogen bonds during the cellulose regeneration process, thus reducing the probability of zeolite detaching from aerogel. Additionally, the low loading ratio of zeolite (∼3.0 wt%) decreased the exothermic heat to promote a low-temperature enhancement of 3.4 °C during the hemostatic process. The aerogel quickly absorbed tremendous blood while releasing calcium ions, synergistically assisting zeolite to promote blood coagulation. In animal experiments, Z-RCA stopped bleeding faster than Quikclot and reduced blood loss by 62.1 wt%. Overall, the study produced a safe and efficient zeolite-based hemostat.