Sprayable Dual-Network Microgel Adhesive for Robust Wet Adhesion and Prolonged Analgesia in Complex Wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Managing deep, irregular wounds presents challenges including poor suturability, bleeding, and neuropathic pain.
• Existing wound dressings and adhesives struggle to conform to complex geometries and maintain adhesion in wet environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sprayable dual-network microgel adhesive (PR) for advanced wound management.
• To combine strong wet tissue adhesion with sustained ropivacaine release for hemostasis and analgesia.

Main Methods:

• Development of a sprayable powder microgel adhesive.
• Evaluation of wet tissue adhesion strength compared to fibrin glue.
• Assessment of sustained liposomal ropivacaine release and in vivo pain relief in rodent models.

Main Results:

• PR microgels demonstrated exceptional wet adhesion (∼40 kPa), exceeding fibrin glue by over four times.
• The sprayable format allowed penetration and adhesion to irregular wound beds.
• Sustained ropivacaine release (240 h) provided pain-free mobility for over 168 h in rodent models.

Conclusions:

• The sprayable PR microgel adhesive effectively addresses limitations in deep wound management.
• This platform integrates hemostatic adhesion and prolonged pain relief in a single, conformable format.
• PR shows significant potential for clinical application in advanced wound care.