Injectable Hydrogel Adhesive with Rapid In Situ Gelation and Robust Tissue Adhesion for Emergency Hemorrhage Control

Uncontrolled bleeding after severe trauma poses a major challenge to existing tissue adhesives primarily due to their inadequate wet adhesion, sluggish bonding kinetics, insufficient mechanical strength, and potential cytotoxicity. Here, we report the development of an injectable and biocompatible hydrogel adhesive based on a unique catalyst-free cross-linked network of poly(disulfide)s. The incorporation of melanin nanoparticles (CINP) within the hydrogel matrix enhances its cross-linking density, thereby strengthening its tissue binding capabilities and imparting exceptional mechanical properties alongside robust wet adhesion. In vitro evaluations demonstrate the superior tissue adhesion, biocompatibility, and photoresponsive antibacterial properties of the CINP@PolyLA-Ch hydrogel. Furthermore, we showcase its hemostatic efficacy and intraorgan tissue adhesion performance in rat liver defect, rabbit liver and spleen injury, and rabbit cardiac puncture model. These findings underscore the potential of this hydrogel adhesive as an effective hemostatic agent for the emergency management of massive hemorrhage.