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Dynamic regulation of interfacial adhesion in biomedical hydrogels
Hanjun Sun1, Xinyu Qu1, Qian Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China. chelseawq@njtech.edu.cn.
Chemical Society Reviews
|December 2, 2025
Summary
Adhesive hydrogels offer biocompatibility but struggle with easy removal when adhesion is strong. This review explores dynamic regulation strategies for adaptable biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Adhesive hydrogels are crucial in biomedicine for their biocompatibility and versatility.
- Current research prioritizes adhesion strength, often compromising ease of removal.
- A conflict exists between strong adhesion and reversible detachment in hydrogel applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of hydrogel adhesion.
- To analyze strategies for dynamic regulation of hydrogel-tissue adhesion.
- To explore the biomedical application potential of dynamically tunable adhesive hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hydrogel adhesion mechanisms.
- Analysis of dynamic adhesion regulation strategies.
- Exploration of stimulus-induced interfacial rearrangements and mechanics-driven reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel adhesion strength is often inversely related to removability.
- Dynamic regulation offers a paradigm shift from static to interactive smart materials.
- Multifaceted design approaches are needed, considering physiological and clinical factors.
Conclusions:
- Dynamically regulating hydrogel adhesion is essential for personalized medicine.
- This dynamic control enables adaptation to diverse and complex clinical requirements.
- Future applications leverage smart hydrogels for advanced biomedical interventions.
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