An injectable, high-toughness, biodegradable polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel for rapid sealing after dural breakage

Abstract

The dura mater, a bilayered fibrous membrane of the central nervous system, plays a crucial role in maintaining intracranial homeostasis, providing mechanical protection, and preventing pathogen invasion. Increasing incidences of dural defects resulting from tumor resection, trauma, and postoperative complications highlight the need for effective closure strategies in neurosurgery. Compared with traditional suturing, in situ crosslinking sealants enable precise wound filling and minimally invasive repair; however, existing materials are often hindered by inadequate adhesion, cytotoxicity, and excessive swelling. In this study, we developed an injectable polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based sealant prepared by crosslinking 4-arm PEG-succinimidyl glutarate (4aPEG-SG) with tri-lysine. The resulting material exhibited strong adhesion, tunable mechanical properties, and complete in vitro degradation within 12 weeks. In a beagle dural defect model, the PEG-based sealant achieved watertight closure with superior sealing performance compared to conventional methods. These results show a promising approach for meningeal repair and provide a foundation for the clinical translation of next-generation neurosurgical sealants.