Engineering Hydrogels with Enhanced Adhesive Strength Through Optimization of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Molecular Weight.

ABSTRACT: Hydrogels are extensively utilized in biomedical fields because of their remarkable properties, including biocompatibility, high water content, flexibility, and elasticity. However, despite substantial progress in hydrogel research, creating a hydrogel adhesive that integrates high stretchability, fatigue resistance, and reversible adhesion continues to pose significant challenges. In this study, we aimed to address these challenges by preparing hydrogels using a combination of acrylic acid, acrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose methacrylate, thiol-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDM). By systematically varying the molecular weight of PEG, we were able to precisely adjust the mechanical and adhesive properties of the hydrogels.

SUBMITTER: Yang YA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11902555 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature