Ultra-fast self-gelling powder mediate robust wet adhesion to promote healing of gastrointestinal perforations

Abstract

Achieving strong adhesion of bioadhesives on wet tissues remains a challenge and an acute clinical need due to the interfering interfacial water and lack of adhesive–tissue interactions. Herein we report a self-gelling and adhesive polyethyleneimine and polyacrylic acid (PEI/PAA) powder, which can absorb interfacial water to rapidly form a physically crosslinked hydrogel in situ within two seconds due to strong physical interactions between the polymers. Furthermore, the physically crosslinked polymers can diffuse into the substrate polymeric network to enhance wet adhesion on various tissues. Superficial deposition of PEI/PAA powder can effectively seal damaged porcine stomach and intestine despite excessive mechanical challenges. We further demonstrate the use of PEI/PAA powder as sealants to enhance the treatment outcomes of gastric perforation in a rat model. Owing to their strong wet adhesion, excellent cytocompatibility, adaptability to fit complex target sites, and easy synthesis, we believe that the PEI/PAA powder are promising bioadhesives with a wide array of biomedical applications.