Ophicalcitym-Functionalized Hydroxypropyl Cellulose/Acellular Dermal Matrix Dual-Crosslinked Sponge for Synergistic Rapid Haemostasis of Non-Compressible Bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding in trauma and surgical emergencies remains a major cause of patient mortality. Therefore, developing a hemostatic material that combines rapid hemostasis with excellent blood compatibility is of substantial clinical value. In this study, we constructed a hemostatic sponge (PX@H 0.25 ) using oxidized hydroxypropyl cellulose (OHPC) and porcine decellularized dermal matrix (PADM) as the polymer backbone. We incorporated ophicalcitym, a natural mineral rich in Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺. The sponge was prepared through a combination of Schiff-base covalent crosslinking, metal-ion coordination crosslinking, and freeze-drying. Structural characterization confirmed that aldehyde groups on OHPC react with amino groups in PADM to form C=N imine bonds, establishing a stable covalent network. In parallel, Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ released from ophicalcitym coordinates with oxygen-containing functional groups on the polymer chains, generating an additional dynamic ionic crosslinked network. Among all formulations, the optimized PX@H 0.25 sponge exhibits a through-connected porous structure, excellent water uptake and wettability, robust compressive recoil, and strong water-triggered shape recovery. In vitro results demonstrate negligible cytotoxicity and low hemolysis risk. It shows good blood compatibility and rapidly adsorbs blood, enriches cells and platelets, and accelerates coagulation. This effect is mediated by the sustained release of Ca²⁺, which activates the coagulation cascade, promotes thrombin generation, and facilitates fibrin network formation. In vivo, PX@H 0.25 was validated in rat models including liver injury, femoral vein rupture, tail amputation bleeding, and liver puncture bleeding. These results show that PX@H 0.25 significantly shortens hemostasis time and reduces blood loss. Overall, PX@H 0.25 achieves efficient hemostasis through a synergistic triple mechanism of “physical sealing–cell/platelet enrichment–ion-driven procoagulation”. It combines excellent structural stability with biocompatibility. These features support its strong potential for clinical translation in the management of severe uncontrolled hemorrhage.