Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Carbonized Cellulose Aerogels for Enhanced Hemostasis and Accelerated Skin Wound Healing

Abstract Trauma from car accidents and other causes can result in severe bleeding and significant skin defects. Current biomaterials still face challenges in achieving rapid hemostasis to stabilize life‐threatening conditions and subsequently promoting the complete repair of skin tissue. This study develops a carbon nanotube (CNT)‐reinforced carbonized cellulose aerogel for managing fatal, uncontrolled bleeding and enhancing skin wound healing. These aerogels demonstrate high porosity with large pore sizes, appropriate hydrophilicity, and excellent shape recovery after compression. In vitro, the composite aerogels show good cytocompatibility and blood compatibility. Not only do they absorb substantial amounts of adhered red blood cells and platelets, but they also activate platelets. In vivo, the composite aerogels outperform clinically used gauze and gelatin sponges in hemostatic capacity in rat tail amputation and liver perforation hemorrhage models. Moreover, this work discovers that the photothermal effect of the composite aerogel could accelerate blood clot formation, enhance the mechanical properties of the formed clot. Additionally, they promote skin wound healing, achieving results comparable to the widely used commercial wound dressing, PELNAC. The appropriate temperature generated by the photothermal effect can promote the formation of a local blood supply. Overall, this composite aerogel presents a promising strategy for treating uncontrollable bleeding and promoting wound healing.