A Universal and Reversible Wet Adhesive via Straightforward Aqueous Self-Assembly of Polyethylenimine and Polyoxometalate

Abstract

The excellent adhesion of mussels under wet conditions has inspired the development of numerous catechol-based wet adhesives. Nevertheless, the performance of catechol-based wet adhesive suffers from the sensitivity toward temperature, pH, or oxidation stimuli. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop non-catechol-based wet adhesives to fully recapitulate nature’s dynamic function. Herein, a novel type of non-catechol-based wet adhesive is reported, which is readily formed by self-assembly of commercially available branched polyethylenimine and phosphotungstic acid in aqueous solution through the combination of electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. This wet adhesive shows reversible, tunable, and strong adhesion on diverse substrates and further exhibits high efficacy in promoting biological wound healing. During the healing of the wound, the as-prepared wet adhesive also possesses inherent antimicrobial properties, thus avoiding inflammations and infections due to microorganism accumulation.

Scalable Underwater Adhesives with High-Strength, Long-Term, and Harsh-Environment Adhesion Enabled by Heterocyclic Chemistry

“…(d) Shear adhesion strength of DEUA to wood and PTFE substrates in different temperature solutions. The adhesion comparison for (e) PTFE and (f) wood substrate between DEUA and other existing underwater adhesives (the listed three values of DEUA are the adhesion strengths with 48 h waiting time, storing for 1 month, and 4 months). ,,,,,,,− …”

An Instant Underwater Tissue Adhesive Composed of Catechin‐Chondroitin Sulfate and Cholesterol‐Polyethyleneimine

“…[17][18][19] Correspondingly, branched polyethylenimine (PEI) was introduced as a positively charged polymer, which has been widely investigated in applications of gene therapy, antimicrobial as well as bioadhesives. [20][21][22] As for surface adhesion, mussel-inspired chemistry can provide hints, and the most critical catechol groups, which can polymerize or oxidize under an alkaline environment, have been intensively studied for bio-adhesives. [23][24][25] Our group has developed mussel-inspired bio-adhesives using dopamine with catechol groups for adhesion.…”

“…[ 17–19 ] Correspondingly, branched polyethylenimine (PEI) was introduced as a positively charged polymer, which has been widely investigated in applications of gene therapy, antimicrobial as well as bio‐adhesives. [ 20–22 ]…”

A Nature‐Inspired Versatile Bio‐Adhesive

“…Based on the characteristics of this material system, and referring to its application in other functions as hydrogels, and in combination with the specific requirements of tissue adhesive, we would deeply optimize this material system to achieve such a new tissue adhesive that can produce multiple effects for better application. [ 23–26 ]…”