Yonsei University Team Develops Hydrogel for Instant Adhesion and Hemostasis on Wet Tissues

A research team at Yonsei University has developed an innovative hydrogel capable of rapidly adhering to wet tissues and inducing hemostasis within approximately 10 seconds, without requiring separate chemical activation. Dubbed 'STAT' (Strong Tissue-adhesive And Thrombostatic), the material utilizes a double-network structure and draws inspiration from the adhesive proteins found in mussels.

The hydrogel's adhesive properties stem from catechol structures, which, when gently kneaded, transform into reactive quinones. These quinones then rapidly form covalent bonds with amine and thiol groups on tissue surfaces, ensuring strong adhesion even in the presence of blood or bodily fluids. This overcomes a significant limitation of existing hemostatic agents, which often lose adhesion on wet surfaces and require lengthy activation processes.

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The feature of this research is that we solved the problem of wet tissue adhesion, which existing hemostatic materials have, with a relatively simple mechanism of catechol-quinone conversion, and implemented adhesion, hemostasis, and healing from a single material.

Beyond adhesion, STAT hydrogel also possesses potent hemostatic capabilities. It incorporates tannic acid, a natural polyphenol that activates platelets to accelerate blood clotting and provides antimicrobial effects. The double-network structure grants the hydrogel elasticity similar to soft tissues, making it resistant to tearing while also enabling self-healing properties. This versatility allows it to be applied as a patch for large wounds or as an injectable sealant for deep, narrow areas, consolidating adhesion, hemostasis, antimicrobial action, and wound healing into a single material.

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We believe that the 'adhesive interface that immediately binds to tissue,' developed this time, will have greater value when combined with flexible electronic devices.

Preclinical trials have demonstrated STAT hydrogel's efficacy. In animal models, it achieved hemostasis within seconds in liver bleeding scenarios and effectively controlled massive bleeding from the liver and spleen in rabbits. Further experiments confirmed its applicability in sealing perforated stomach areas via endoscopy and promoting wound healing without sutures in skin incision models, showing no significant cytotoxicity or inflammatory response. Comparisons with a commercially available fibrin glue approved by the U.S. FDA revealed STAT hydrogel's superior performance in adhesion, hemostasis speed, and antimicrobial properties.

Professor Seo Jeong-mok, the lead researcher, highlighted the hydrogel's simple mechanism for overcoming the wet tissue adhesion problem and its comprehensive functionality. He expressed optimism about its broad applicability in emergency trauma care and precision surgical environments like laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. The team plans to expand this research into smart bio-interfaces that can monitor wounds in real-time and aid treatment with electrical stimulation, bridging material science and bio-electronics.

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We plan to expand the research into smart bio-interfaces that can detect wounds in real-time and assist treatment with electrical stimulation, connecting material science and bio-electronics.