Engineering Hydrogels with Enhanced Adhesive Strength Through Optimization of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Molecular Weight

Hydrogels are extensively utilized in biomedical fields because of their remarkable properties, including biocompatibility, high water content, flexibility, and elasticity. However, despite substantial progress in hydrogel research, creating a hydrogel adhesive that integrates high stretchability, fatigue resistance, and reversible adhesion continues to pose significant challenges. In this study, we aimed to address these challenges by preparing hydrogels using a combination of acrylic acid, acrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose methacrylate, thiol-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDM). By systematically varying the molecular weight of PEG, we were able to precisely adjust the mechanical and adhesive properties of the hydrogels. Our research revealed that a PEG molecular weight of 2000 (resulting in P1 hydrogel) provided a notable adhesive strength of 717.2 kPa on glass surfaces. This performance is particularly impressive given the challenges associated with achieving high adhesive strength while maintaining other desirable hydrogel properties. Beyond its strong adhesive capabilities, the P1 hydrogel also demonstrated exceptional stretchability, support, and fatigue resistance. These characteristics are crucial for applications where the adhesive needs to endure repeated stress and deformation without losing effectiveness. The successful development of P1 hydrogel underscores its potential as a multifunctional adhesive material with a broad range of applications. The ability to tailor the properties of hydrogels through molecular weight adjustments offers a promising approach to creating advanced adhesive solutions that meet the demanding requirements of modern biomedical and industrial applications.