Mussel-mimetic protein-based adhesive hydrogel.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Adhesion Science

Background:

• Hydrogels are promising for wet-environment tissue adhesives due to adhesion and cohesion.
• Marine mussel adhesion inspires synthetic strategies using 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) for cross-linking.
• Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) contain DOPA and other amino acids crucial for adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel protein-based hydrogel system using DOPA-containing recombinant MAP.
• To investigate dual cross-linking mechanisms for tunable hydrogel properties.
• To evaluate the potential of the developed hydrogel as a tissue adhesive and sealant.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized DOPA-containing recombinant mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs).
• Utilized oxidation-induced DOPA quinone-mediated covalent cross-linking.
• Employed Fe(3+)-mediated coordinative noncovalent cross-linking.

Main Results:

• Achieved hydrogel formation via both covalent and noncovalent cross-linking methods.
• Fe(3+)-mediated hydrogels exhibited deformable, self-healing viscoelastic properties and strong adhesion.
• Quinone-mediated hydrogels demonstrated higher cohesive strength and suitable handling times.

Conclusions:

• The novel MAP hydrogel system offers tunable cross-linking for versatile applications.
• Dual cross-linking strategies provide control over mechanical properties and adhesion.
• This DOPA-based MAP hydrogel shows significant potential as a tissue adhesive and sealant.