An Ultrasoft Self-Fused Supramolecular Polymer Hydrogel for Completely Preventing Postoperative Tissue Adhesion

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Intermolecular H-bonding density critically affects supramolecular polymer hydrogel properties.
• Tailoring H-bonding is key for developing hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel ultrasoft supramolecular polymer hydrogel with antifouling and self-fusing capabilities.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the developed hydrogel in preventing postoperative abdominal adhesions in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of N-acryloyl alaninamide (NAAA) monomer and its polymerization.
• Variable-temperature Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and simulation calculations to verify H-bond weakening.
• In vivo studies to assess the inhibition of postoperative abdominal adhesion and recurrent adhesion.

Main Results:

• Polymerization of NAAA yielded an ultrasoft, highly swollen hydrogel (PNAAA) due to weakened H-bonds from an additional methylene spacer.
• PNAAA hydrogel exhibited a transient network, self-fused, and antifouling properties attributed to altered H-bonding interactions.
• The PNAAA hydrogel completely inhibited postoperative abdominal adhesion and recurrent adhesion in vivo, demonstrating biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Conclusions:

• The novel PNAAA hydrogel presents a promising self-fusing, antifouling barrier biomaterial for preventing postoperative tissue adhesion.
• Weakened H-bonding interactions are crucial for achieving ultrasoft, transient hydrogel networks with biomedical potential.
• The hydrogel's mechanism involves inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating the fibrinolytic system.