(216af) Synthesis of Mussel Inspired Biocompatible Polyelectrolyte Hydrogel Adhesives

Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) are the natural products from marine organisms which are friendly to the environment with high curing rate, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and outstanding mechanical property. To mimic MAPs, DOPA- the major functional unit of MAP is selected and grafted onto poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) backbone to form polyelectrolyte hydrogel adhesives. The structure of the obtained polymer was confirmed by IR and ¹H NMR. The grafting ratio is calculated from elemental analysis. Concentration and reactivity of dopamine side chains are detected by UV-vis spectroscopy. The 180° peel strengths in the air and under water were determined. It was found that the adhesion under water is higher than that in the air for the obtained polyelectrolyte hydrogels which implied the successful synthesis of mussel inspired biocompatible polyelectrolyte hydrogel adhesives. The correlation between the flowing ability and adhesion was discussed after the rheological measurements. The obtained polyelectrolyte hydrogels should be ideal candidates for the clinical adhesives and biomaterials.