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Kailas Datkhile,
Sunil S. Jalalpure,
- Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Krishna Institute of Science and Technology, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India
- Principal, Department of Pharmacognosy, KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, JNMC Campus, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi (Belgaum), Karnataka, India
Abstract
Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of preventable trauma-related mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for rapid, effective, and biocompatible hemostatic materials. Polysaccharide-based composite biomaterials have emerged as promising candidates owing to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and intrinsic hemostatic properties. Natural polysaccharides, including chitosan, alginate, cellulose derivatives, starch, and hyaluronic acid, are increasingly combined with synthetic polymers, bioactive ceramics, metallic nanoparticles, and other functional additives to enhance mechanical strength, antimicrobial activity, tissue adhesion, and wound-healing performance. This review summarizes recent advances in the design, fabrication, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of polysaccharide-based composite hemostats. Particular emphasis is placed on electrospun nanofibers, porous sponges, injectable hydrogels, and multifunctional composite dressings developed for rapid hemorrhage control. The underlying mechanisms, including platelet activation, erythrocyte aggregation, coagulation cascade enhancement, fluid absorption, and tissue regeneration, are critically discussed together with recent innovations in smart and stimuli-responsive systems. Current challenges related to large-scale manufacturing, sterilization, regulatory approval, biodegradation, and clinical translation are also highlighted. Overall, polysaccharide-based composite materials represent a promising platform for next-generation trauma care, although further preclinical and clinical investigations are required to facilitate their widespread clinical implementation.
Keywords: Polysaccharides; Hemostatic materials; Trauma care; Composite biomaterials; Chitosan; Alginate; Cellulose derivatives; Wound healing; Nanocomposites; Injectable hydrogels.
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Journal of Polymer & Composites
| Volume | 14 | |
| 05 | ||
| Received | 20/07/2026 | |
| Accepted | 07/09/2026 | |
| Published | 07/10/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 79 Days |