Rapid photo-crosslinkable pectin methacrylate reinforced self-healing adhesive hydrogels

Acrylic acid-based hydrogels are promising candidates for tissue engineering due to their pH responsiveness and bio-adhesive properties. However, several limitations, must be addressed to enhance their biomedical applications. These include poor mechanical strength, excessive swelling behaviour, and the potential for inflammation when used as standalone scaffolds. In this study, we functionalized natural polysaccharide, pectin with methacrylate groups and utilized it as a reinforcing agent. We then synthesized pectin methacrylate-reinforced self-healing acrylic acid hydrogels through a one-pot rapid photochemical reaction. The hybrid hydrogels were optimized for crosslink density, water swelling, morphological characteristics, rheological behaviour, mechanical properties, viscoelasticity, and adhesion properties. Additionally, we employed synchrotron macro-attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared micro-spectroscopy to investigate the chemical heterogeneity, interfacial interactions, and morphological organization within the hydrogels. The developed hydrogels possess exceptional attributes that have significant potential for advancing tissue engineering, optimizing drug delivery systems, and enhancing biosensor technology.