First‐Aid Hydrogel Wound Dressing with Reliable Hemostatic and Antibacterial Capability for Traumatic Injuries

Abstract

Abstract First‐aid for severe traumatic injuries in the battlefield or pre‐hospital environment, especially for skin defects or visceral rupture, remains a substantial medical challenge even in the context of the rapidly evolving modern medical technology. Hydrogel‐based biomaterials are highly anticipated for excellent biocompatibility and bio‐functional designability. Yet, inadequate mechanical and bio‐adhesion properties limit their clinical application. To address these challenges, a kind of multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing is developed with the collective multi‐crosslinking advantages of dynamic covalent bonds, metal−catechol chelation, and hydrogen bonds. The mussel‐inspired design and zinc oxide‐enhanced cohesion strategy collaboratively reinforce the hydrogel's bio‐adhesion in bloody or humoral environments. The pH‐sensitive coordinate Zn 2+ ‐catechol bond and dynamic Schiff base with reversible breakage and reformation equip the hydrogel dressing with excellent self‐healing and on‐demand removal properties. In vivo evaluation in a rat ventricular perforation model and Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)‐infected full‐thickness skin defect model reveal excellent hemostatic, antibacterial and pro‐healing effectiveness of the hydrogel dressing, demonstrating its great potential in dealing with severe bleeding and infected full‐thickness skin wounds.