Sewing Hydrogels: Adhesion of Hydrogels Utilizing in Situ Polymerization of Linear Polymers inside Gel Networks

Hydrogel materials attract much attention due to their high potential as artificial tissues including muscles and cartilages. For these applications, hydrogels must possess high mechanical strength, and adhesive systems for the adhesion of hydrogels to living tissues must be available. Recently, various hydrogels having high mechanical strength have been prepared by using organic structures or inorganic compounds. However, reports on adhesive systems for hydrogels that can be applied to practical use are still scarce. This paper describes the preparation of an adhesive hydrogel system, which can be used and applied easily, using in situ polymerization of linear polymers interpenetrated in the hydrogel networks. Additionally, this method allows to create a redox-responsive adhesive hydrogel system.