Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea have developed a medical bioadhesive inspired by the way mussels attach to surfaces. These patches, built from the new composition, are designed to seal injuries not only on external skin but also on internal organs, and they are suitable for use underwater or inside the body. The work was published in the peer‑reviewed journal Advanced Materials (AdvMat).
In dry conditions the patch remains nonsticky, but when exposed to humidity it activates and adheres with notable strength. By tweaking the balance between polyacrylic and polymethacrylic acids, scientists can adjust how quickly the adhesive dissolves and how rigid the cured material becomes. This fine‑tuning allows for a customized adhesive system that accounts for the diverse structural and biological requirements of different organs and tissues.
The research team evaluated three varieties of bioplasters in animal models and during implantation procedures. The adhesives maintained high adhesion even on highly dynamic organs such as the heart and bladder, where movement typically challenges bonding. Additional experiments demonstrated the potential to regulate the dissolution time of the adhesive during the implantation of electronic devices aimed at muscle regeneration, suggesting a broader range of biomedical applications beyond simple wound closure.
Earlier work in related areas explored the use of Pepper patches for neuropathic pain management, highlighting the growing interest in bioadhesive platforms that can interact with neural and musculoskeletal systems. Overall, the study contributes a versatile, mussel‑inspired approach to biomedical adhesion that could improve outcomes for complex surgical repairs and device integrations while offering tunable performance across a spectrum of clinical needs, all within a framework that respects the body’s natural movements and fluid environments (AdvMat).