Progress of tissue adhesives based on proteins and synthetic polymers

Abstract

In recent years, polymer-based tissue adhesives (TAs) have been developed as an alternative to sutures to close and seal incisions or wounds owing to their ease of use, rapid application time, low cost, and minimal tissue damage. Although significant research is being conducted to develop new TAs with improved performances using different strategies, the applications of TAs are limited by several factors, such as weak adhesion strength and poor mechanical properties. Therefore, the next-generation advanced TAs with biomimetic and multifunctional properties should be developed. Herein, we review the requirements, adhesive performances, characteristics, adhesive mechanisms, applications, commercial products, and advantages and disadvantages of proteins- and synthetic polymer-based TAs. Furthermore, future perspectives in the field of TA-based research have been discussed.

Sutureless vascular anastomotic approaches and their potential impacts

“…Traditional methods for vascular anastomosis, primarily relying on suturing and stapling, often lead to complications such as tissue damage, inflammation, and the need for subsequent surgeries, especially in cases of large, critical wounds. Given these challenges, there is a growing inclination in the medical community towards advanced solutions, such as tissue adhesives, sealants, and hemostatic materials [ [88] , [89] , [90] , [91] , [92] , [93] , [94] ]. For example, cyanoacrylate adhesives, brands like Dermabond and SurgiSeal, facilitate rapid bonding and microbial protection, though their inherent brittleness and cytotoxicity can pose limitations in vascular contexts [ [95] , [96] , [97] ].…”

Recent Advances in the Degradability and Applications of Tissue Adhesives Based on Biodegradable Polymers

“…Therefore, generally, tissue adhesives should show both strong interactions with tissues and cohesive strength. Tissue adhesives show many advantages such as ease of use, rapid application, less pain, and minimal tissue damage [11][12][13][14]. Currently, tissue adhesives have been widely applied in a variety of fields, mainly including acute or infective wound treatments [15,16], hemorrhage control [17,18], cell delivery [19], drug delivery [20], tissue repair [21,22], and tumor therapy [23,24] (Figure 1).…”

Double-Cross-Linked Hydrogel with Long-Lasting Underwater Adhesion: Enhancement of Maxillofacial In Situ and Onlay Bone Retention

“…This is because water molecules in the body fluid are prone to form thin layers of hydration on the surface of the substrate, which hinder the interfacial contact of the adhesive with the substrate . Until now, researchers have proposed different chemical, physical, or structural strategies for hydrogel to overcome the wet environment. , For example, mussel-inspired catechol-containing hydrogels have been exploited a lot for adhering tissues like skin, mucosa, nerve, bone, and so on, where the ubiquitous hydrogen bonds make a contribution. , However, the hydrogen-bond-inducing phenolic hydroxyl groups in catechol are easily oxidized to ketones, weakening the adhesion ability of hydrogels in practical applications . To solve the problem, introducing more stable hydrogen bonds with higher density is considered an effective measure to improve the wet adhesion ability of hydrogels …”

“…27 Until now, researchers have proposed different chemical, physical, or structural strategies for hydrogel to overcome the wet environment. 28,29 For example, mussel-inspired catecholcontaining hydrogels have been exploited a lot for adhering tissues like skin, mucosa, nerve, bone, and so on, where the ubiquitous hydrogen bonds make a contribution. 30,31 However, the hydrogen-bond-inducing phenolic hydroxyl groups in catechol are easily oxidized to ketones, weakening the adhesion ability of hydrogels in practical applications.…”