Tuning Water-Resistant Networks in Mussel-Inspired Hydrogels for Robust Wet Tissue and Bioelectronic Adhesion

Hydrogels with robust wet adhesion are desirable for applications in aqueous environments. Wet adhesion arising from synergy between hydrophobic and catechol components in mussel foot proteins has been highlighted. However, optimizing hydrogels with multiple components is challenging because of their complex structure-property relationships. Herein, high-throughput screening of a series of hydrophobic alkyl monomers and adhesive catechol derivatives was used to systematically develop wet adhesive hydrogels. Short alkyl chains promote wet adhesion by repelling water at the adhesive interface, whereas long alkyl chains form strong hydrophobic interactions inside the hydrogel network that impede or dissipate…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 82072073, 82072071
• DO
  Department of Science and Technology of Sichuan Province

  Award: 2022YFS0040
• CU
  Central University Basic Research Fund of China

  Award: 2682022KJ041
• BA
  Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province

  Award: 2021B1515120019