Nanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization
Abstract Fatigue-resistant functional bioadhesion is desired in diverse applications ranging from wound management to wearable devices. Nanoparticle-based bioadhesives offer versatile functionality but suffer from weak adhesion and fatigue vulnerability due to tissue barriers and poor tissue interac...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62019-y |
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| author | Shuaibing Jiang Tony Jin Tianqin Ning Zhen Yang Zhenwei Ma Ran Huo Yixun Cheng Davis Kurdyla Edmond Lam Rong Long Audrey Moores Jianyu Li |
| author_facet | Shuaibing Jiang Tony Jin Tianqin Ning Zhen Yang Zhenwei Ma Ran Huo Yixun Cheng Davis Kurdyla Edmond Lam Rong Long Audrey Moores Jianyu Li |
| author_sort | Shuaibing Jiang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Fatigue-resistant functional bioadhesion is desired in diverse applications ranging from wound management to wearable devices. Nanoparticle-based bioadhesives offer versatile functionality but suffer from weak adhesion and fatigue vulnerability due to tissue barriers and poor tissue interactions. Polymer chain-based bioadhesives can form tough bioadhesion but remain vulnerable to fatigue fracture. Here we demonstrate that rationally designed chitosan nanowhiskers glues achieve fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization via the combined high aspect ratio, rigidity, polymer-binding and network-forming properties. We deploy these glues using chemical enhancers, microneedle rollers, and ultrasound, enabling strong tissue anchorage despite tissue barriers. At low concentrations, the nanowhisker glue paired with a tough hydrogel achieves an interfacial fatigue threshold of 382 J m−2 and adhesion energy exceeding 1000 J m−2. Transmission electron microscopy reveals a sandwiched nanowhisker layer interpenetrated with both hydrogels and tissues, creating an interface of high stiffness and strength that kinks and arrests interfacial cracks, ensuring unprecedented fatigue resistance. Further, the nanowhisker glue allows for versatile functionalization at the interface such as photothermal and sonodynamic effects. This work expands the performance and functionality of bioadhesives, opening new possibilities for medical and engineering applications. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-bd55039b54d84744bc2e290a7ce750a0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2041-1723 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Nature Communications |
| spelling | doaj-art-bd55039b54d84744bc2e290a7ce750a02025-08-20T03:42:55ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-07-0116111210.1038/s41467-025-62019-yNanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalizationShuaibing Jiang0Tony Jin1Tianqin Ning2Zhen Yang3Zhenwei Ma4Ran Huo5Yixun Cheng6Davis Kurdyla7Edmond Lam8Rong Long9Audrey Moores10Jianyu Li11Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill UniversityCenter in Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, McGill UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, McGill UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, McGill UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, McGill UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, McGill UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, McGill UniversityAquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre, National Research Council of CanadaCenter in Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, McGill UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado BoulderCenter in Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, McGill UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, McGill UniversityAbstract Fatigue-resistant functional bioadhesion is desired in diverse applications ranging from wound management to wearable devices. Nanoparticle-based bioadhesives offer versatile functionality but suffer from weak adhesion and fatigue vulnerability due to tissue barriers and poor tissue interactions. Polymer chain-based bioadhesives can form tough bioadhesion but remain vulnerable to fatigue fracture. Here we demonstrate that rationally designed chitosan nanowhiskers glues achieve fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization via the combined high aspect ratio, rigidity, polymer-binding and network-forming properties. We deploy these glues using chemical enhancers, microneedle rollers, and ultrasound, enabling strong tissue anchorage despite tissue barriers. At low concentrations, the nanowhisker glue paired with a tough hydrogel achieves an interfacial fatigue threshold of 382 J m−2 and adhesion energy exceeding 1000 J m−2. Transmission electron microscopy reveals a sandwiched nanowhisker layer interpenetrated with both hydrogels and tissues, creating an interface of high stiffness and strength that kinks and arrests interfacial cracks, ensuring unprecedented fatigue resistance. Further, the nanowhisker glue allows for versatile functionalization at the interface such as photothermal and sonodynamic effects. This work expands the performance and functionality of bioadhesives, opening new possibilities for medical and engineering applications.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62019-y |
| spellingShingle | Shuaibing Jiang Tony Jin Tianqin Ning Zhen Yang Zhenwei Ma Ran Huo Yixun Cheng Davis Kurdyla Edmond Lam Rong Long Audrey Moores Jianyu Li Nanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization Nature Communications |
| title | Nanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization |
| title_full | Nanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization |
| title_fullStr | Nanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization |
| title_full_unstemmed | Nanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization |
| title_short | Nanowhisker glues for fatigue-resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization |
| title_sort | nanowhisker glues for fatigue resistant bioadhesion and interfacial functionalization |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62019-y |
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