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Biocompatible, Reversible, and Strong Multilayered Tape for Advanced Wound Care

A hydrogel-based adhesive with a hydrophobic backing layer protects it from exposure to water and offers painless removal and easy repositioning.

Problem:

Reversible adhesives have gained popularity in industries with a growing emphasis on reducing waste and improving sustainability. Previously, the inventors have developed a strong and reversible adhesive film from poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and boric acid (BA) for wound care. However, when water in the adhesive completely evaporates, the film becomes dry and stiff, resulting in a skin-stretching sensation. Additionally, continuous exposure to water could degrade the performance and ultimately dissolve the adhesive.

Solution:

To overcome this limitation, a biocompatible waterproof backing is added to protect the PVA/BA adhesive layer and wound site from continuous exposure to water, thus preventing the film from being dissolved. Moreover, the backing layer could provide a strong contract force that closes wounds while keeping moisture around the skin from evaporating. The film remains soft and flexible, improving patient comfort and healing. Additional water absorbing sealant and water proofing materials could be added at the edge of the adhesive to further improve the sealing.

Technology:

The tape comprises two layers. The adhesive layer has three components: instant adhesives consisting of water absorbing elastic hydrogel together with a water-activated instant sealant layer (PVA/BA), and a waterproof layer. Upon activation by water or moisture, this layer forms an immediate bond with the substrate. The hydrophobic backing layer contains silicone, an air-permeable and thermal-insulating material that protects adhesive layers from external moisture and other environmental factors. It imparts additional mechanical support to the adhesive, ensuring the tape remains adhered to the skin or the wound site during extended use. Combining both layers offers a higher adhesion strength than the current topical wound dressing products while offering additional protection to the wound dressing and wound site.

Advantages:

Biocompatible and Reversible
Instant adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including plastics, fabrics, glass, metals, ceramics, and skin
Aesthetically versatile (transparent or colored), allowing for customization and personalized usage
Provides additional applications such as drug delivery, monitoring, and simulation
Allows for industrial-scale production

Schematic illustrations of PVA/BA adhesives. (A and B) Instant softening of the top near-surface region upon water activation (A), allowing for fast adhesion to the wound site through dynamic covalent bonds (B).