Cucurbit[n]uril Supramolecular Hydrogel Networks as Tough and Healable Adhesives

Abstract

Supramolecular noncovalent interactions are widely found in natural adhesion phenomena to control macroscopic adhesion and accomplish a variety of complex functions. Such supramolecular adhesives could impart the interfaces with intriguing properties, e.g., energy dissipation and self‐healing, on account of their dynamic nature. Here, we demonstrate that cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8])‐based supramolecular hydrogel networks can function as dynamic adhesives for diverse nonporous (e.g., glass, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium) and porous substrates (wood and bone). Without any surface prefunctionalization or introduction of curing agents, these CB[8] hydrogel networks can be readily applied by curing around the softening temperature, forming a tough and healable adhesive interlayer. The ability to fabricate a robust sandwich model consisting of substrate–CB[8] hydrogel network–substrate enables a number of applications including stretchable and wearable electronics, hybrid systems for biomedical devices or tissue/bone regeneration.

Dynamic Interfacial Adhesion through Cucurbit[n]uril Molecular Recognition

“…[7,9,14,[32][33][34] Covalent-bond-based adhesives,such as super glue (cyanoacrylate), fibrin glue (TISSEEL, Baxter) and PEG-based adhesives (DURASEAL, Confluent Surgical), have been clinically used for tissue repair and wound dressing. [7,9,14,[32][33][34] Covalent-bond-based adhesives,such as super glue (cyanoacrylate), fibrin glue (TISSEEL, Baxter) and PEG-based adhesives (DURASEAL, Confluent Surgical), have been clinically used for tissue repair and wound dressing.…”

Bioactive Pore‐Forming Bone Adhesives Facilitating Cell Ingrowth for Fracture Healing

“…Replacing traditional invasive materials (e.g., steel plates, screws, and pins) with adhesives for bone fracture fixation and repair may revolutionize orthopedic surgeries. [1][2][3][4][5] Instant strong fixation is essential in the treatment, which remains a challenge to most of the available biomedical glues. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Cyanoacrylates (CA) are one class of the few adhesives that can provide both biocompatibility and adhesion strength to meet such criteria.…”

Dynamic Interfacial Adhesion through Cucurbit[n]uril Molecular Recognition

“…Zuschriften topic. [7,9,14,[32][33][34] Covalent-bond-based adhesives,such as super glue (cyanoacrylate), fibrin glue (TISSEEL, Baxter) and PEG-based adhesives (DURASEAL, Confluent Surgical), have been clinically used for tissue repair and wound dressing. [4] However,o wing to the limited tolerance of local tissue shrinkage,m otion, or body-fluid flow,t ough tissue interfacial adhesion is highly desirable.…”