An Integrally Formed Janus Hydrogel for Robust Wet-Tissue Adhesive and Anti-Postoperative Adhesion.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Developing hydrogels with differential adhesion for biomedical applications is challenging.
• Simultaneous robust wet tissue adhesion and anti-postoperative adhesion is a critical unmet need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create an asymmetrically adhesive Janus hydrogel in a single step.
• To demonstrate its efficacy in wet tissue adhesion and prevention of postoperative adhesions.
• To explore its potential as a conductive biosensor.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Janus hydrogel via controlled interfacial distribution of carboxyl groups.
• Tuning emulsion droplet size and stirring speed to achieve surface asymmetry.
• In vivo testing in rabbit models for adhesion and strain sensing.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 20-fold difference in adhesive strength between the two hydrogel surfaces.
• Demonstrated strong adhesion to stomach defects and effective prevention of postoperative adhesions in vivo.
• Hydrogel exhibited superior mechanical toughness and conductivity for strain sensing.

Conclusions:

• A facile one-step method for fabricating Janus hydrogels with tunable asymmetric adhesion.
• The developed hydrogel is a promising bioadhesive for wound closure and adhesion prevention.
• Potential application as a flexible, conductive strain sensor for in vivo monitoring.