Synergy in thrombin-graphene sponge for improved hemostatic efficacy and facile utilization

- Thrombin/cross-linked graphene sponge (TCGS) rapidly stops bleeding within 100 s.
- The hemostatic performance of TCGS is superior to those of CGS and thrombin.
- Synergy effect of absorption and thrombin stimulation is critical for hemostasis.
- Thrombin is immobilized on the surface of CGS that assures its biosafety.
- This is a facile and efficient composite strategy.

Composites are attractive for its potential synergistic effects that can result in high-performance, but the synergy depends on subtle design. In this study, a hemostatic composite, a thrombin/cross-linked graphene sponge (TCGS), was developed through a facile gradient composite strategy. The porous structure of the CGS assures that the thrombin is stably embedded in the TCGS, avoiding a burst release but maintaining its bioactivity. In the synergy between proper thrombin stimulation and the fast absorption of the sponge, TCGS exhibits outstanding hemostatic performance, ultrafast bleeding cessation, within 100 s, which is superior to both CGS and equal amounts of native thrombin. Lower or excessive thrombin dosages prolong the bleeding time. The study revealed that the balance between plasma absorption and thrombin stimulation at the interface is critical for improving hemostatic efficacy. TCGS is also highlighted for its biosafety and stability, even after 6 months of storage in environment. This potentially ultra-long shelf life is conducive to its practical applications. Therefore, TCGS not only provides a new strategy for developing a hemostatic composite but also provides a new method and understanding for the design of hemostatic materials.

Thrombin-graphene composite sponge was used for hemostasis in the synergy effect of plasma absorption and thrombin stimulation.147