SUPERHYDROPHOBIC GAUZE WITH ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVE COATING FOR RAPID BLOOD CLOT FORMATION WHEN LOW-VOLTAGE APPLIED

Abstract

Rapid and effective hemostasis is crucial to prevent excessive blood loss and improve patient outcomes during emergencies and surgeries. Current methods often lead to unnecessary blood loss, secondary injuries, and immune response risks. New technologies like electric field-accelerated coagulation and superhydrophobic hemostatic materials address these issues but have limitations. This study explores low-voltage applications to accelerate blood coagulation, showing higher voltages achieve faster results. A novel superhydrophobic gauze with an electrically conductive coating, designed for rapid clot formation under low voltage, was developed. Coated with carbon nanofiber (CNF) and silver, the gauze demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity and conductivity, with water contact angles around 140 degrees. Coagulation speed increased by 100% to 150% with a 7-volt application, and no blood loss or infiltration occurred during testing. Hemolysis tests confirmed biocompatibility, with a hemolysis fraction below 2%.