Abstract
Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) have a unique ability to firmly adhere to different surfaces in aqueous environments via the special amino acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). The catechol groups in DOPA are a key group for adhesive proteins, which is highly informative for the biomedical domain. By simulating MAPs, medical products can be developed for tissue adhesion, drug delivery, and wound healing. Hydrogel is a common formulation that is highly adaptable to numerous medical applications. Based on a discussion of the adhesion mechanism of MAPs, this paper reviews the formation and adhesion mechanism of catechol-functionalized hydrogels, types of hydrogels and main factors affecting adhesion, and medical applications of hydrogels, and future the development of catechol-functionalized hydrogels.
Highlights
Humans are always inspired by organisms with unique capabilities in nature
The oxidative cross-linking of hydrogels consumed catechol groups, which resulted in the poor strength of hydrogel and adhesive strength when the small amount of DOPA was grafted to polymers
Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) adhesion to different substrate surfaces is due to the redox of DOPA and chelation with different metals, as well as intermolecular chemical interactions between other amino acid residues and multiple Mfps
Summary
Humans are always inspired by organisms with unique capabilities in nature. A good example is marine mussels, they can firmly adhere to different surfaces in the seawater by secreting mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) through the byssus. The catechol groups in the molecule can adhere to different surfaces in wet environments, including silica [6,7,8], metal ions [9,10], metal oxides [11,12], biological tissues [13,14,15], and especially the mucosa [13,16], through physical and chemical processes. For this reason, extensive research has focused on the catechol group. We review the medical applications of catechol-functionalized hydrogels, such as tissue adhesion, biomedical coatings, and drug delivery systems
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