A Rapidly and Highly Self-Healing Poly(Sulfobetaine Methacrylate) Hydrogel with Stretching Properties, Adhesive Properties, and Biocompatibility.

This study focuses on the preparation of stretchable zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) hydrogels. To address the weak mechanical properties of chemically crosslinked PSBMA hydrogels, a physical crosslinking method utilizing hydrophobic interactions to crosslink hydrogels to approach tough properties is developed. Here, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-based micelle is used as a physical crosslinker to prepare physically crosslinked PSBMA (PSBMA phy ) hydrogels, and ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (EGDMA) is used to prepare a control group of chemically crosslinked PSBMA (PSBMA chem ) hydrogels. The mechanical properties of the two hydrogels are compared, and PSBMA phy hydrogels exhibit greater flexibility than the PSBMA chem hydrogels. When the PSBMA phy hydrogels are subjected to external forces, the micelles act as dynamic crosslinking sites, allowing the stress to disperse and prevent the hydrogel from breaking. In addition, the PSBMA phy hydrogels have nearly 100% self-healing properties within 2.5 min. The PSBMA phy hydrogels exhibit usable adhesive properties to porcine skin and subcutis. MTT and hemolysis tests show that the PSBMA phy hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. This study proposes that the multifunctional PSBMA phy hydrogels with micelles will be potential to carry drugs for use in drug delivery systems in the future.