Zwitterionic Polyetheramine Demonstrates Integrated Hemostatic and Antimicrobial Functionalities with Wound-Healing Potential in a Murine Wound Model

Hemorrhage and bacterial infection can have significant clinical consequences in the wound healing process. Here, we synthesized a zwitterionic-functionalized poly(ether- co -octylamine) (Z-pEOA) and evaluated its biocompatibility, hemostatic performance, antibacterial activity, and wound repair–relevant outcomes. Polymer structure was confirmed by 1 H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, and the polymeric nature of Z-pEOA was established by gel permeation chromatography. Zeta potential measurements demonstrated a positively charged surface with reduced net cationicity following sulfobetaine functionalization, and protein adsorption assays showed markedly attenuated nonspecific BSA binding, consistent with antifouling behavior. Extract-based biocompatibility testing demonstrated ≥70% L929 fibroblast viability in accordance with ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity criteria, and hemolysis remained below 1%, indicating excellent hemocompatibility. Z-pEOA-impregnated gauze significantly reduced the whole-blood clotting index compared with untreated controls, indicating enhanced clot formation in vitro . Dynamic antibacterial contact testing (ASTM E2149) showed a ≥3-log reduction of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and Escherichia coli within 30 min, with sustained killing over 120 min. Live/Dead fluorescence staining supported a predominantly bactericidal, membrane-disruptive mechanism under these conditions. In a murine full-thickness wound model, topical Z-pEOA treatment did not impair macroscopic wound closure and was associated with increased epithelial thickness at both early and late time points relative to PBS controls. Collectively, these findings identify Z-pEOA as a cytocompatible, hemocompatible, broad-spectrum antibacterial, and hemostatic biomaterial in vitro, and as a nondisruptive wound-contact material in vivo, supporting its further evaluation as a multimodal wound dressing for bleeding control and infection risk reduction.