Ultrafast self-gelling powder mediates robust wet adhesion to promote healing of gastrointestinal perforations
Xin Peng, Xianfeng Xia, Xiayi Xu, Xuefeng Yang, Boguang Yang, Pengchao Zhao, Weihao Yuan, Philip Wai Yan Chiu, Liming Bian
Abstract
Achieving strong adhesion of bioadhesives on wet tissues remains a challenge and an acute clinical demand because of the interfering interfacial water and limited adhesive-tissue interactions. Here we report a self-gelling and adhesive polyethyleneimine and polyacrylic acid (PEI/PAA) powder, which can absorb interfacial water to form a physically cross-linked hydrogel in situ within 2 seconds due to strong physical interactions between the polymers. Furthermore, the physically cross-linked polymers can diffuse into the substrate polymeric network to enhance wet adhesion. Superficial deposition of PEI/PAA powder can effectively seal damaged porcine stomach and intestine despite excessive mechanical challenges and tissue surface irregularities. We further demonstrate PEI/PAA powder as an effective sealant to enhance the treatment outcomes of gastric perforation in a rat model. The strong wet adhesion, excellent cytocompatibility, adaptability to fit complex sites, and easy synthesis of PEI/PAA powder make it a promising bioadhesive for numerous biomedical applications.