Nanostructure-enhanced platelet binding and hemostatic structures

A method of inducing platelet adhesion, comprising:

• contacting a plurality of inorganic nanostructures incorporated within a base structure comprising carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with a population of platelets, wherein the nanostructures are incorporated in the base structure at a density of between about 0.05 mg/cm2 and about 100 mg/cm2.

A method for forming a hemostatic structure, comprising:

• providing a base structure that includes a first material capable of creating a gel when contacted with blood;
• and
• coating the base structure with a plurality of hemostatic inorganic nanoparticles comprising elongated silicon nanofibers and/or silicon dioxide nanofibers such that the nanoparticles are configured to induce hemostasis when the hemostatic structure is contacted with blood, wherein said coating comprises suspending the inorganic nanofibers in a solvent and coating the base structure with the solvent.