Rapidly Self-Deactivating and Injectable Succinyl Ester-Based Bioadhesives for Postoperative Antiadhesion

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Postoperative adhesions cause significant patient complications and economic costs.
• Existing bioadhesives can lead to indiscriminate tissue adhesion, posing risks.
• Effective anti-adhesion barriers are crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel bioadhesive with self-deactivating properties for postoperative antiadhesion.
• To address the challenge of indiscriminate tissue bonding associated with conventional bioadhesives.
• To create a stable yet transient barrier to prevent tissue adhesion.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a succinyl ester-based bioadhesive (SEgel) using poly(ethylene glycol) succinimidyl succinate (PEG-SS) and gelatin.
• Utilized N-hydroxysuccinimide esters (NHS-esters) for rapid covalent anchoring to tissue.
• Incorporated a fast-hydrolyzing superficial layer to achieve self-deactivation and prevent non-specific adhesion.
• Evaluated in vivo retention and biocompatibility, including foreign body reactions.
• Tested efficacy in cecum-sidewall and hepatic adhesion models.

Main Results:

• SEgel demonstrated rapid adhesion to target tissues via NHS-ester covalent bonds.
• The outward-facing layer rapidly hydrolyzed, losing adhesion within minutes and preventing indiscriminate bonding.
• The bioadhesive exhibited appropriate in vivo retention without adverse foreign body reactions.
• SEgel significantly reduced the severity of both cecum-sidewall and hepatic adhesions in animal models.
• The preparation process was straightforward, and raw materials showed good biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• SEgel effectively prevents postoperative adhesions through controlled, self-deactivating adhesion.
• The bioadhesive overcomes the limitations of indiscriminate tissue bonding seen in other agents.
• SEgel represents a promising, biocompatible solution for preventing postoperative adhesions, enhancing patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.