Strong Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposite Hydrogel Adhesives with Removability and Reusability for Damaged Tissue Closure and Healing

Abstract

Bioadhesives are widely used in a variety of medical settings due to their ease of use and efficient wound closure and repair. However, achieving both strong adhesion and removability/reusability is highly needed but challenging. Here, we reported an injectable mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle (MBGN)-incorporated biopolymer hydrogel bioadhesive that demonstrates a strong adhesion strength (up to 107.55 kPa) at physiological temperatures that is also removable and reusable. The incorporation of MBGNs in the biopolymer hydrogel significantly enhances the tissue adhesive strength due to an increased cohesive and adhesive property compared to the hydrogel adhesive alone. The detachment of bioadhesive results from temperature-induced weakening of interfacial adhesive strength. Moreover, the bioadhesive displays injectability, self-healing, and excellent biocompatibility. We demonstrate potential applications of the bioadhesive in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for hemostasis and intestinal leakage closure and accelerated skin wound healing compared to surgical wound closures. This work provides a novel design of strong and removable bioadhesives.

Keywords: bioadhesive; dialdehyde starch; hydrogel; mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles; wound closure.