Next-Generation Hydrogel Skin Adhesives: From Bioinspired Adhesion Chemistry to Regenerative Wound Interfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Conventional wound closure methods like sutures and staples have limitations.
• Hydrogel-based skin adhesives offer conformal contact with irregular and wet tissue surfaces.
• Recent advances enable hydrogel adhesives with strong wet adhesion, mechanical compliance, cytocompatibility, and therapeutic functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in the design of hydrogel-based skin adhesives.
• To emphasize chemical and interfacial mechanisms governing tissue adhesion.
• To discuss biological design considerations and future opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Review of chemical and interfacial mechanisms (covalent bonding, supramolecular interactions, polyphenol-mediated adhesion).
• Outline of skin structure and wound healing requirements for adhesives.
• Discussion of adhesive performance evaluation methods (interfacial toughness, standardized testing).
• Review of on-demand debonding strategies for atraumatic removal.
• Examination of biological design considerations (cytocompatibility, immune regulation, angiogenesis, antibacterial activity).

Main Results:

• Hydrogel adhesives demonstrate strong wet adhesion and mechanical compliance.
• Various adhesion mechanisms, including bioinspired approaches, are effective.
• On-demand debonding strategies enable atraumatic removal.
• Biological design considerations are crucial for supporting tissue repair.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel skin adhesives are promising alternatives to conventional methods.
• Multifunctional hydrogels can actively support tissue repair and regeneration.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and unlock future opportunities for advanced wound healing solutions.