Studies of Phenol-Based Bioinspired Sealants

Abstract

Tissue sealants can improve control over bleeding and other undesirable bodily fluid leakage by adhering to the tissue surface and providing a liquid-proof barrier. The overall aim of our research program is to lay the basis for the development of a new family of bioinspired sealants based on alginate and phenolic compounds. Combining different burst pressure measurement formulations with assessment of Young modulus and gel point measurements allows us additional insight into the role played by different phenolic molecules and their contribution to the sealant's performance. We found that although the presence of the phenols altered the sealant's gel point, their contribution is manifested in the sealant–substrate interaction rather than in cohesion or viscosity. Evidence of the importance of phenol structure is presented.