A facile strategy to fabricate stretchable, low hysteresis and adhesive zwitterionic elastomers by concentration-induced polymerization for wound healing

Developing high-efficient wound dressing with a combination of good mechanical toughness, conformal adhesion and multiple functions is important in clinical application yet remains challenge. Herein, a multi-functional zwitterionic elastomer (TASM) was developed by directly evaporating the uniform precursor containing zwitterionic monomer 3-[Dimethyl-[2-(2-methylprop-2-enoyloxy) ethyl] azaniumyl] propane-1-sulfonate (SBMA), α-thioctic acid (TA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride (METAC). It is interesting to find that the originally immiscible SBMA could dissolve well in ethanol with the assistance of TA, while some other zwitterionic still cannot. The underlying reason is revealed through Flory-Huggins model that the mixture of SBMA and TA exhibit a very low mixing free energy, making them successfully dissolve in ethanol. The obtained TASM elastomer exhibited good mechanical performance, robust adhesion, self-healing ability, along with wound monitoring potential. Besides, the elastomer also showed excellent biocompatibilities and efficient anti-bacterial capability. Furthermore, the elastomer worked well in promoting wound healing in both of full-thickness wound and incisions models. Specifically, in the incision model, the elastomer treatment can replace suturing treatment thanks to the strong adhesion, showing great advantages as wound dressing materials. This work could offer new insights into the preparation of PolyTA systems and promote their functionalization and applications.