RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Bioinspired tough gel sheath for robust and versatile surface functionalization
JF Science Advances
JO Sci Adv
FD American Association for the Advancement of Science
SP eabc3012
DO 10.1126/sciadv.abc3012
VO 7
IS 15
A1 Ma, Zhenwei
A1 Yang, Zhen
A1 Gao, Qiman
A1 Bao, Guangyu
A1 Valiei, Amin
A1 Yang, Fan
A1 Huo, Ran
A1 Wang, Chen
A1 Song, Guolong
A1 Ma, Dongling
A1 Gao, Zu-Hua
A1 Li, Jianyu
YR 2021
UL http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/15/eabc3012.abstract
AB Sutures pervade surgeries, but their performance is limited by the mechanical mismatch with tissues and the lack of advanced functionality. Existing modification strategies result in either deterioration of suture’s bulk properties or a weak coating susceptible to rupture or delamination. Inspired by tendon endotenon sheath, we report a versatile strategy to functionalize fiber-based devices such as sutures. This strategy seamlessly unites surgical sutures, tough gel sheath, and various functional materials. Robust modification is demonstrated with strong interfacial adhesion (>2000 J m−2). The surface stiffness, friction, and drag of the suture when interfacing with tissues can be markedly reduced, without compromising the tensile strength. Versatile functionalization of the suture for infection prevention, wound monitoring, drug delivery, and near-infrared imaging is then presented. This platform technology is applicable to other fiber-based devices and foreseen to affect broad technological areas ranging from wound management to smart textiles.