Research

Strain-Programmable Bioadhesive Patch for Accelerated Healing of Diabetic Ulcer

Our team recently developed a novel tissue  adhesive in the form of a dry double-sided tape  (DST) made from a combination of polymer (e.g.,  chitosan) and crosslinked poly(acrylic acid)  grafted with NHS ester to address shortcomings  of the existing tissue adhesives and wound  dressings including weak and unstable adhesion on wet or wounded tissues and organs. The adhesion mechanism of the DST relies on the removal of interfacial water from the tissue surface, resulting in fast temporary crosslinking to the tissue surface within five seconds. Subsequently, covalent crosslinking with amine groups on the tissue surface then further improves adhesion stability and strength. This unique mechanism allows the DST to form instant yet robust adhesion on wet or wounded tissues that have not been possible by existing tissue adhesive and wound dressings.

Building upon our recent advances, we propose to develop a strain-programmed bioadhesive patch by combining the DST with a novel hydration-based shape memory method. The resultant strain-programmed bioadhesive patch takes the form of thin patch consisting of a non-adhesive elastomer backing and a bioadhesive layer made of the DST. Once hydrated by the native physiological fluids or moisture from the wounded tissue, the patch instantly and robustly adheres to the underlying tissue based on the DST while releasing its programmed strain to provide mechanical contraction to the wound.

Our current work focuses on the development of a novel, proprietary biomaterial that will be very effective in promoting wound healing in experimental diabetes and ex vivo human diabetic skin experiments.  Given the lack of any satisfactory treatments for DFU, successful completion of the proposed experiments will lead to new therapeutic approaches in a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality and with serious unmet needs.