Infant Skin Friendly Adhesive Hydrogel Patch Activated at Body Temperature for Bioelectronics Securing and Diabetic Wound Healing

Adhesive-caused injury is a great threat for infants with premature skin or diabetic patients with fragile skin because extra-strong adhesion might incur pain, inflammation, and exacerbate trauma upon removal. Herein, we present a skin-friendly adhesive hydrogel patch based on protein-polyphenol complexation strategy, which leads to a thermoresponsive network sensitive to body temperature. The adhesion of the hydrogel is smartly activated after contacting with warm skin, whereas the painless detachment is easily realized by placing an ice bag on the surface of the hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibits an immunomodulatory performance that prevents irritation and allergic reactions during long-period contact with the skin. Thus, the hydrogel patch works as a conformable and nonirritating interface to guarantee nondestructively securing bioelectronics on infant skin for healthcare. Furthermore, the hydrogel patch provides gentle adhesion to wounded skin and provides a favorable environment to speed up the healing process for managing diabetic wounds.

Automated summary

A skin-friendly adhesive hydrogel patch based on protein-polyphenol complexation strategy is presented. The hydrogel exhibits a thermoresponsive network and can be activated upon contact with warm skin, while painless detachment can be achieved by placing an ice bag on the surface. The hydrogel also has immunomodulatory performance and can prevent irritation and allergic reactions during long-period contact with the skin.