Mechanically Stable and Tunable Photoactivated Peptide‐Based Hydrogels for Soft Tissue Adhesion

ABSTRACT Compared to the use of natural‐based products, peptide‐based materials can be produced synthetically to reduce cost, batch variability, and avoid pathogen transmission while providing flexible platforms with suitable tissue and cell compatibilities for biomedical uses. In this study, we present a rationally designed, collagen‐like peptide (CLP) hydrogel platform utilizing supramolecular self‐assembly and light‐triggered thiol‐ene crosslinking to form mechanically stable and tunable materials for use as soft tissue adhesives. By screening and characterizing a library of synthetic peptides, ideal candidates for hydrogel formation are identified. Upon adjusting the peptide concentration or structural properties such as junction functionality and choice of reactive group, the mechanical properties of these peptide hydrogels can be optimized to generate robust biomaterials capable of closing wounds with strength comparable to commercial tissue adhesives such as LiquiBand. These peptide materials are also cytocompatible and biodegradable, indicating their potential as adhesives for soft tissue repair.