Development of Composite Sponge Scaffolds Based on Carrageenan (CRG) and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) for Hemostatic Applications.

In this study, a novel absorbable hemostatic agent was developed using carrageenan (CRG) as a natural polymer and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs). CRG-CeO 2 -0.5 and CRG-CeO 2 -1 composites were prepared by compositing CeO 2 to CRG + CeO 2 at a weight ratio of 0.5:100 and 1:100, respectively. The physicochemical and structural properties of these compounds were studied and compared with pristine CRG. Upon incorporation of CeO 2 nanoparticles into the CRG matrix, significant reductions in hydrogel degradation were observed. In addition, it was noted that CRG-CeO 2 exhibited better antibacterial and hemostatic properties than CRG hydrogel without CeO 2 NPs. The biocompatibility of the materials was tested using the NIH 3T3 cell line, and all samples were found to be nontoxic. Particularly, CRG-CeO 2 -1 demonstrated superior hemostatic effects, biocompatibility, and a lower degradation rate since more CeO 2 NPs were present in the CRG matrix. Therefore, CRG-CeO 2 -1 has the potential to be used as a hemostatic agent and wound dressing.