Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel strategy to synthesize copolymers that can rapidly form robust adhesive hydrogel networks.
Background: Wet adhesives provide robust and strong adhesion in moist or submerged environments. These materials are often synthesized using polymers that contain functional groups that mimic the natural adhesion mechanisms used by marine organisms. Existing approaches use catechol derivatives, which can form strong adhesions through covalent bonds and reversible interactions with chelating metals. These methods rely on incorporating catechol groups into polymers such as polyethylene glycol and polypeptides. Current technologies are limited by low and often uncontrolled catechol incorporation within the polymer structure. Other materials lack the mechanical strength and robustness needed for diverse applications and often require complicated synthesis and fabrication procedures. There remains an unmet need for a facile and efficient method of producing materials that possess adhesive properties in wet environments
Innovation: UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel approach to synthesize catechol functionalized copolymers with control over catechol density and placement. This strategy allows for direct incorporation of catechol groups into the polymer structure without the need for complicated synthesis techniques, enabling rapid and high-density functionalization. The copolymers synthesized using this technique can rapidly form robust networks to produce hydrogels with high mechanical strength within seconds. These hydrogels can be used as reversible adhesives by varying the pH of the surrounding media. This technology can diversify the application of wet adhesives in a wide array of fields, including wound dressings and medical devices.
Potential Applications: • Medical adhesives • Implant coatings • Drug delivery • Wearable electronics • Underwater construction
Advantages: • Enhanced adhesion strength • Rapid gelation • Reversible and self-healing properties • Scalable production
Publication: Modular synthesis and facile network formation of catechol functionalized triblock copolymers†
Development-To-Date: First description of invention completed in August 2024.
Reference: UCLA Case No. 2025-040
Lead Inventor: Samanvaya Srivastava