Tougher Bioadhesives through Dual Stimulation Strategies

Abstract

AbstractCarbene‐based bioadhesives have favourable attributes for tissue adhesion, including non‐specific bonding to wet and dry tissues, but suffer from relatively weak fracture strength after photocuring. Light irradiation of carbene‐precursor (diazirine) also creates inert side products that are absent under thermal activation. Herein, a dual activation method combines light irradiation at elevated temperatures for the evaluation of diazirine depletion and effects on cohesive properties. A customized photo/thermal‐rheometer evaluates viscoelastic properties, correlated to the kinetics of carbene:diazoalkane ratios via 19F NMR). The latter exploits the sensitive ‐CF3 functional group to determine joule‐based light/temperature kinetics on trifluoroaryl diazirine consumption. The combination of heat and photoactivation produced bioadhesives that are 3× tougher compared to control. Dual thermal/light irradiation may be a strategy to improve viscoelastic dissipation and toughness of photo‐activated adhesive resins.