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.