An All-Natural Polymer-based and Bilayer-Integrated Asymmetrical Janus Hydrogel Bioadhesive Patch for Cardiac Repair.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Bioadhesive hydrogels with good tribological properties are crucial for surgical critical care.
• Myocardial infarction (MI) repair requires advanced biomaterials for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an all-natural polymer-based, bilayer-integrated asymmetrical Janus hydrogel bioadhesive patch.
• To evaluate its efficacy for myocardial infarction (MI) repair.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a low-friction polyelectrolyte composite biohydrogel (CA) using chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) and sodium hyaluronate (HA).
• Development of a high-adhesion biohydrogel (TA@CA) by incorporating tannic acid (TA).
• Integration into a bilayer asymmetrical Janus hydrogel bioadhesive (CA|TA@CA).

Main Results:

• The CA|TA@CA hydrogel exhibited excellent bulk mechanical properties (fracture strength 0.98 MPa, fracture strain 330%) and interfacial toughness (50.87 J/m²).
• Demonstrated favorable one-sided adhesion to myocardial tissue.
• In vivo studies showed effective inhibition of ventricular remodeling post-MI repair.

Conclusions:

• The developed CA|TA@CA Janus hydrogel bioadhesive shows significant potential for myocardial infarction repair.
• Its unique properties offer a promising alternative for medical patches in cardiac surgery.