Electrophoretic adhesion of biodegradable hydrogels through the intermediary of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes

Abstract

Two biodegradable hydrogels were stitched together through the intermediary of oppositely charged polyelectrolytesviaelectrophoresis. The two gels in contact adhered when an electric field was applied with a cationic gel on the anode and an anionic gel on the cathode. Adhesion of the two gels was not observed when the opposite electric field was applied or with pressure bonding. Adhesion of cationic and anionic hydrogels should exhibit repeatability characteristics. Electrophoretic adhesion of two hydrogels with the same charge was also achieved using an oppositely charged polymer as a binder.