Gelatin-DOPA-knob/fibrinogen hydrogel inspired by fibrin polymerization and mussel adhesion for rapid and robust hemostatic sealing

Tissue adhesives have attracted significant interest in the field of hemostasis. However, challenges including weak tissue adhesion, inadequate biocompatibility, and instability limit their clinical applications. Here, we have developed a gelatin-DOPA-knob/fibrinogen hydrogel inspired by the fibrin polymerization and mussel adhesion, resulting in a biocompatible bioadhesive with outstanding adhesion performance and great storage stability. This strategy involves modifying gelatin with knob peptides and catechol groups inducing crosslinking with fibrinogen to form a hydrogel via knob-hole interactions, and enhancing interfacial adhesion performance by interacting with the blood-covered tissue through catechol groups and knob peptides. This hydrogel exhibits rapid gelation, enhanced mechanical strength and adhesion properties, compared to the commonly used fibrin glue in surgery. The hydrogel significantly reduces the time required to hemostasis and the amount of blood loss in severe hemorrhage models. It ensures superior hemostatic efficacy, excellent biocompatibility, and long-term storage stability, which holds significant promise in medical settings.