Marine organism-inspired tough and adhesive patch based on thermosensitive quaternized chitin for tissue sealing/repair and hemostasis

Tissue adhesives have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional sutures and staplers in the management of hemostasis, tissue defect sealing, and wound repair. However, the efficacy of current bio-adhesives in clinical practice is compromised by the limitations, including poor wet adhesion, inadequate mechanical strength, vulnerability to gastrointestinal fluids, and insufficient hemostatic performance. Herein, a marine organism-inspired tough and adhesive patch (MOTAP) was developed to address these challenges. Inspired by the tough shell of crustacean chitin, the thermosensitive quaternized derivative was employed to engineer a film with exceptional mechanical strength. Subsequently, harnessing the adhesion mechanism of mussels, a catechol and aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid was integrated to endow the film with adhesive properties, resulting in a tough and adhesive patch. This patch exhibits great mechanical property, excellent adhesive strength (175 kPa), and an ultrahigh burst pressure (92 kPa). MOTAP robustly seals various tissues, effectively prevents the leakage of corrosive gastrointestinal fluids, and rapidly induces coagulation. Compared to commercial and clinical materials, MOTAP demonstrates superior efficacy in sealing perforated stomachs, achieving hemostasis, and promoting wound healing. Therefore, MOTAP with good biocompatibility and biodegradability is a promising adhesive patch for managing hemorrhage, tissue damages, and wound closure.