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Zwitterionic polyurethane thin films enabling wet conformal adhesion to dynamic tissues.
Mengyao Zhong1, Xingyu Liu2, Xiuqiang Li1
1School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China. zhanghong@tju.edu.cn.
Materials Horizons
|February 10, 2026
Summary
New zwitterionic polyurethane (ZWPU) thin films achieve superior wet conformal adhesion on dynamic tissues. This breakthrough enhances implantable bioelectronics and biointerfaces by improving adhesion through hydration layers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Bioelectronics
Background:
- Achieving conformal adhesion on dynamic, deformable tissues in vivo is a significant challenge for current epidermal electronics.
- Conventional polymer thin films exhibit limitations in in vivo performance due to insufficient adhesion on wet biological surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel material for enhanced conformal adhesion on dynamic biological tissues.
- To investigate the properties and in vivo performance of zwitterionic polyurethane (ZWPU) thin films for bioelectronic applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of zwitterionic polyurethane (ZWPU) by grafting sultone onto polyurethane.
- Fabrication of large-area ZWPU thin films (200-1200 nm thickness) using bar coating.
- Evaluation of mechanical properties, antifouling capabilities, and in vivo adhesion on dynamic tissues.
Main Results:
- ZWPU thin films exhibit high elasticity (elongation at break >500%) and excellent antifouling properties.
- The zwitterionic groups promote a hydration layer, enabling synergistic "liquid bridge" and "molecular bridge" effects for enhanced wet tissue adhesion.
- Demonstrated unprecedented conformal adhesion on edematous mouse brains and expanded rabbit lungs, sustaining up to 150% stretch without slippage or fracture.
Conclusions:
- ZWPU thin films provide superior wet conformal adhesion to dynamic biological tissues.
- The developed material shows significant promise for advanced implantable bioelectronics and biointerfaces.
- The hydration layer mechanism offers a new strategy for improving bio-interfacial interactions.
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