Halloysite-based nanocomposite hydrogel: In vitro evaluation of hemostatic and antibacterial properties for wound applications

Acute and chronic wounds present a major clinical burden, where uncontrolled bleeding and bacterial infection significantly impede healing. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of a nanocomposite hydrogel, comprising oxidized bacterial cellulose (oxBC), gelatin, and halloysite nanotubes (Hal), for in vitro hemostatic and antibacterial properties. Rheological analysis confirms its suitability for conforming to irregular wounds. The oxBC/Gel/Hal nanocomposite exhibited an accelerated clotting time of 3.8 ± 0.1 min and a significantly lower blood clotting index of 8.1 ± 1.8% at 5 min, demonstrating effectiveness in controlling bleeding. Using vancomycin as a model antibiotic, Hal enabled sustained drug release over 42 days with 74% release, protecting against premature degradation and prolonging antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus spp. Biocompatibility, with cell viability >85% across three human cell lines, and hemocompatibility, with near-zero hemolysis, further validate its safety profile. Collectively, this work establishes the oxBC/Gel/Hal nanocomposite as a multifunctional platform that synergistically provides immediate hemostasis and sustained antibacterial action for potential wound care applications.