Adhesion Mechanisms of Natural and Synthetic Tissue Adhesive Hydrogels

Abstract

In the past years tissue adhesive hydrogels have received wide-spread attention as replacements of sutures, staples, and electrocoagulation. Hydrogels provide distinctive advantages through their structural similarity to extracellular matrix, biocompatibility, and ease of application. A broad selection of polymers has been used in the fabrication of tissue adhesive hydrogels, which results in unique adhesion mechanisms to ensure precise adhesion to tissue surface in various applications. This thesis focuses on recent developments in tissue adhesive hydrogels based on multiple polymers, hydrogel adhesion mechanisms, and mechanical adhesion testing. Main applications in tissue engineering, bioelectronics, and organ-on-chips are introduced to show a full picture of the intended purposes of tissue adhesive hydrogels. Finally, a probe tack test experiment is presented to demonstrate hydrogel-hydrogel adhesion in practice. This thesis aims to offer the reader essential information on hydrogel adhesion, and how polymer selection affects the adhesion mechanism.