Barnacle inspired strategy combined with solvent exchange for enhancing wet adhesion of hydrogels to promote seawater-immersed wound healing

Abstract

Hydrogels are promising materials for wound protection, but in wet, or underwater environments, the hydration layer and swelling of hydrogels can seriously reduce adhesion and limit their application. In this study, inspired by the structural characteristics of strong barnacle wet adhesion and combined with solvent exchange, a robust wet adhesive hydrogel (CP-Gel) based on chitosan and 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate was obtained by breaking the hydration layer and resisting swelling. As a result, CP-Gel exhibited strong wet adhesion to various interfaces even underwater, adapted to joint movement and skin twisting, resisted sustained rushing water, and sealed damaged organs. More importantly, on-demand detachment and controllable adhesion were achieved by promoting swelling. In addition, CP-Gel with good biosafety significantly promotes seawater-immersed wound healing and is promising for use in water-contact wound care, organ sealing, and marine emergency rescue.

Keywords

• Barnacle
• Solvent exchange
• Hydrogel
• Wet adhesion
• Wound healing