Stretchable and Bioadhesive Supramolecular Hydrogels Activated by a One-Stone-Two-Bird Postgelation Functionalization...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Stretchable hydrogels are promising for biomedical uses due to mechanical strength.
• Conventional synthetic hydrogels are bioinert, limiting cell and tissue integration.
• A simple method for post-gelation functionalization is needed to improve hydrogel bioactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate stretchable supramolecular hydrogels.
• To develop a post-gelation bioactivation strategy for enhancing cell and tissue adhesion.
• To explore applications in tissue repair and wound management.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of stretchable supramolecular hydrogels cross-linked via host-guest interactions.
• Incorporation of thiourea (TU) functionalities into the hydrogel matrix.
• Post-gelation bioactivation using a catechol-modified peptide (Cat-RGD) via TU-Cat coupling.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized stretchable supramolecular hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties.
• Demonstrated efficient post-gelation conjugation of Cat-RGD ligands via TU-Cat reaction.
• Achieved enhanced cell attachment and tissue adhesion on the functionalized hydrogels.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogels offer a versatile platform for creating bioactive soft biomaterials.
• The straightforward bioactivation method overcomes the bioinertness of conventional hydrogels.
• These advanced hydrogels show significant potential for applications in regenerative medicine, including tissue repair, wound dressing, and lesion sealing.