Robust and adhesive hydrogels from cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) and silicate for biomedical use

A systematic approach to develop robust and adhesive hydrogels by photopolymerizing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-diacrylate and methoxy-PEG-acrylate in the presence of charged silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) is presented. PEG-diacrylate and silicate are used for covalent and physical cross-linking, thus providing the hydrogel with mechanical and adhesive strengths. Methoxy-PEG-acrylate is used as a softening agent. The resulting hydrogels can be extensively elongated and the hydrogels readily adhere to tissue even in the elongated state. These hydrogels may aid the development of adhesive tissue engineering matrixes, wound dressings, sealants, and the adhesive components of biomedical devices.