Bioadhesive, tissue sealant, and hemostatic hydrogels

Hydrogels, with their unique properties, are widely employed in various biomedical applications. The current focus is on bioadhesive hydrogels, which are remarkably able to adhere to tissues, offering diverse medical benefits. This chapter primarily explores the characteristics and mechanisms of bioadhesive, hemostatic, and tissue-sealant hydrogels within the realm of research. It reviews hydrogels’ origins and broad applications in the medical domain. Bioadhesive hydrogels demonstrate robust tissue adherence, which is particularly beneficial for wound dressing and serving as drug delivery carriers. Their ability to adhere to wet surfaces renders them extremely important in medical applications. Additionally, when these adhesive hydrogels possess hemostatic properties, they regulate uncontrolled bleeding in surgical and traumatic circumstances. This chapter explores the integration of hemostatic agents into adhesive hydrogels to enhance rapid blood clotting and facilitate wound healing. Also, the hydrogels endowed with tissue-sealing capabilities can create impermeable barriers, minimizing the risk of fluid leakage and infections. In summary, this chapter meticulously outlines the multifaceted attributes of hydrogels, focusing on bioadhesion, hemostasis, and tissue sealing. These multifunctional properties in hydrogels point to a promising future of medical interventions, providing increased accuracy, efficacy, and, most importantly, adaptability across diverse clinical scenarios, thereby reassuring the audience about the potential of adhesive hydrogels in various medical applications.