User-demand fast-curable ocular glues enforced by multilength tunable networks.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Ophthalmic surgery requires fast, secure wound closure with minimal foreign body sensation.
• Current sutureless approaches using tissue adhesives face challenges in controlling adhesion and ensuring safety without compromising performance.
• Existing adhesives struggle with adhesion in wet ocular environments and maintaining optical clarity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop user-demand hydrogel-forming ocular glues based on multilength photo-crosslinkable hyaluronic acid (HA).
• To achieve firm tissue adhesion under wet and dynamic conditions with cornea-like optical transparency.
• To create a safe and effective alternative to sutures for ophthalmic wound closure.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized multilength photo-crosslinkable hyaluronic acid (HA) through a one-step process.
• Developed a photocurable glue (HA photoglue) that rapidly seals wounds upon low-energy light exposure (320-500 nm, < 5 s, < 1 J cm⁻²).
• Evaluated mechanical properties, adhesive performance in wet conditions, optical transparency, and lubricity.
• Assessed wound healing efficacy in a rabbit corneal incision model using histological evaluation.

Main Results:

• The HA photoglue demonstrated firm tissue adhesion under wet and dynamic conditions.
• Achieved cornea-like optical transparency (>95% light transmittance) and a lubricating surface with minimal ocular sensation.
• Showed improved wound healing efficacy in a rabbit corneal incision model compared to control groups.
• Provided stable sealing in ocular mucous surface environments.

Conclusions:

• Multilength photo-crosslinkable HA-based photoglue offers a promising solution for sutureless ophthalmic wound closure.
• The HA photoglue provides rapid adhesion, excellent optical properties, and improved wound healing with minimal foreign body sensation.
• This novel biomaterial addresses limitations of current tissue adhesives, enhancing safety and efficacy in ophthalmic surgery.