Silk Fibroin–Polyethylene Glycol 400 Composite Sponges with Enhanced Water Absorption and Hemostatic Performance

Abstract

Abstract We have developed silk fibroin (SF)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite sponges, focusing on PEG 400 (PEG400), to enhance the mechanical strength, water absorption, and hemostatic performance of SF sponges. The SF–PEG400 sponge showed superior water absorption—approximately 15 times its weight—and improved compression recovery rates compared with conventional SF sponges. Hemostatic tests showed effective blood coagulation owing to concentrated coagulation factors. These results suggest that SF–PEG400 sponges are promising biocompatible hemostatic materials with enhanced functionality for surgical applications.