Double-Network Bioadhesives from Sustainable Plant Precursors

Development of nontoxic tissue adhesives with sufficient strength and toughness to replace sutures remains an ongoing challenge. Double-network-based adhesives attempt to address this unmet clinical need by combining the toughness of hybrid polymer networks into a cross-linking chemistry that permits liquid to elastomeric glue designs. For the first time, lipoate-based ring opening polymerization combined with oxidative cross-linkers demonstrates a bioadhesive platform derived from plant precursors. The two component (2C) formulations remain viscous for a 10 min lag-period but rapidly cure (<30 s) at physiological temperatures. Adhesion strength, elongation, and self-healing properties exceed commercial formulations. The plant-sourced, synthetic precursors follow a green chemistry and scalable, sustainable approach.