Fabrication of Gelatin Nanofibrous Sponges Incorporating Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Enhanced Capacity to Promote Blood Coagulation and Accelerate Wound Healing

Abstract

Effective bleeding control and accelerated wound healing are crucial for patient survival. Conventional dressings often have structural limitations that hinder their effectiveness in controlling hemorrhages and promoting skin tissue regeneration. Here, a gelatin‐based nanofibrous sponge incorporating mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was developed by transforming two‐dimensional nanofiber membranes into three‐dimensional structures via electrospinning, gas foaming, and freeze‐drying techniques. The sponges were characterized using SEM, EDS, and FTIR. Their swelling, degradation behavior, and mechanical properties showed improved permeability and fluid absorption. Incorporating MSNs significantly enhanced the compressive strength of sponges, making them suitable for deep wounds and creating a favorable microenvironment for cellular activity, despite reduced elastic recovery. In vitro tests confirmed good cytocompatibility and low hemolysis ratios. In vivo experiments on a mouse model of full‐thickness skin defects showed that the sponge with a combination of (6%) MSNs effectively accelerated wound healing, with a markedly higher re‐epithelialization than the control group, achieving nearly complete healing by Day 14. Additionally, this composite sponge facilitated rapid hemostasis with minimal blood loss. These results highlight the potential of the gelatin‐based porous nanofibrous sponge combined with MSNs as a promising candidate for clinical applications, serving as an effective wound dressing and an absorbable hemostatic agent.