Radix paeoniae rubra extract mediated green synthesis of ferric oxide/mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay nanocomposites for wound hemostasis

Ferric oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) have been developed for hemostasis as an active component, especially phyto-mediated FeNPs, but it is still challenge to prevent from their aggregation phenomenon. Herein, FeNPs-based nanocomposites were fabricated by radix paeoniae rubra (RPR) extract-mediated synthesis strategy in the presence of natural mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay (MDAPT). The multiple hemostatic mechanisms, antibacterial, antioxidant and biocompatibility of the as-prepared nanocomposites were studied combining with the structural characterizations. The dispersion and hemostatic ability of FeNPs were effectively enhanced after incorporation of MDAPT, and the blood coagulation index of FeNPs-based nanocomposites increased from 2.53% to 9.47%, while the nanocomposites prepared with 5 mM FeSO 4 presented the optimal coagulation activity in vitro . This phenomenon was primarily attributed to the high adhesion capacity of negatively charged MDAPT and FeNPs toward platelets and erythrocytes, as well as the accelerated activation of coagulation factors and platelets. Furthermore, the FeNPs-based nanocomposite exhibited desirable cytocompatibility, antibacterial effectiveness, and antioxidation activity derived from the active ingredients remained in RPR extract. This study presented a new strategy of synchronous loading of Traditional Chinese medicine ingredients and inorganic nanoparticles with good antibacterial properties and high bioactivity based on natural clay to promote wound healing. • FeNPs/MDAPT nanocomposites were fabricated using radix paeoniae rubra extract. • The nanocomposites prepared with 5 mM FeSO 4 presented optimal coagulation activity in vitro. • Rapid hemostasis was related to the synergistic effect of extract, FeNPs and MDAPT. • The nanocomposites served as wound hemostasis with antibacterial and antioxidant activity.