A calcium–copper-based zeolite with dual functions of hemostatic and antibacterial properties

Wound treatment is a complex and lengthy process that involves rapid hemostasis in the early stage and the prevention of bacterial infection in the later stage. Generally, these two functions are separately achieved by different materials or medicines, thereby causing a lot of inconvenience and pain to patients. In this work, four calcium-copper-based zeolites (CaCuZ) with zeolite P, Y, X, and A structures were fabricated from corresponding sodium-based zeolites <i>via</i> ion exchange. Among these materials, the material with a zeolite P structure possesses better hemostatic performance than those with zeolite X and zeolite Y structures, and it shows improved antibacterial performance compared with the materials containing zeolite A and zeolite X structures. When the copper content of the CaCuZ material with the zeolite P structure is in the range of 0.64-6.30 mg g^-1, the clotting time of blood plasma is less than 2.5 min, the bacteriostasis rates against <i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>E. coli</i>) and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>) are higher than 95%, and there is no obvious cytotoxicity towards 3T3 cells. A satisfactory balance in the clotting time, bacteriostasis, and cytotoxicity is achieved in this material, and the material integrates excellent hemostatic and antibacterial properties, offering great application prospects in wound treatment.