Mussel-Inspired Catechol-Functionalized Hydrogels and Their Medical Applications

Abstract

Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) have a unique ability to firmly adhere to different surfaces in aqueous environments via the special amino acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). The catechol groups in DOPA are a key group for adhesive proteins, which is highly informative for the biomedical domain. By simulating MAPs, medical products can be developed for tissue adhesion, drug delivery, and wound healing. Hydrogel is a common formulation that is highly adaptable to numerous medical applications. Based on a discussion of the adhesion mechanism of MAPs, this paper reviews the formation and adhesion mechanism of catechol-functionalized hydrogels, types of hydrogels and main factors affecting adhesion, and medical applications of hydrogels, and future the development of catechol-functionalized hydrogels.

Marine-Derived Polymeric Materials and Biomimetics: An Overview

“…These adhesive proteins contain a high quantity of post-translationally modified amino acids, such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) [200], which was shown to be essential for interaction between the mussel byssal threads and the surface [201]. The redox status of catechols in the DOPA side groups correlated with proteins interaction is a key parameter in mussel adhesion and must be considered for biomimetic applications.…”

“…The strength of the attachment is conferred by different kinds of interactions comprising hydrogen bonding, metal-catechol coordination, electrostatic interaction, cation-π interaction and π-π aromatic interactions [197]. Environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, pH, nature of the substract and season are also determinant [200].…”

“…Thus, the catechol groups and the related DOPA chemistry have been extensively studied to inspire the development of adhesive materials for use in wet environments. In particular, due to their high biocompatibility, catechol-functionalized hydrogels incorporating DOPA or DOPA-containing short peptides, were developed for medical applications such as tissue adhesion, biomedical coatings, and drug delivery systems [200]. The coupling of DOPA amino acid residue to poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) polymers is the main example but many other strategies have been developed and extensive details can be found in recent reviews on this field [197,200,203,206].…”

An overview of advanced biocompatible and biomimetic materials for creation of replacement structures in the musculoskeletal systems: focusing on cartilage tissue engineering

“…In addition to the biological materials discussed above, many materials have been inspired by nature (inspired materials ) to be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. A good example is marine mussels, which by secreting mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) can adhere to different surfaces [132, 133]. Among the six Mytilus edulis foot proteins (Mefps) of MAPs known to be Mefp-1, Mefp-2, Mefp-3, Mefp-4, Mefp-5 and Mefp-6, components of Mefp-3, Mefp-5 and Mefp- 6 have the most critical role in adhesion [134–136].…”

Specific chemical incorporation of l-DOPA and functionalized l-DOPA-hyaluronic acid in Candida antarctica lipase: creating potential mussel-inspired bioadhesives

“…An adhesive is a substance capable of holding two surfaces together in a strong and permanent manner [1]. The raw materials used as adhesives are mainly polymeric materials, both natural and synthetics [2]; thus, depending on their origin source, adhesives can be divided in two main categories: Bio-based adhesives and Synthetic Adhesives [3][4][5][6][7]. In general, bio-based adhesives present direct advantage in environmental terms, due to the absence of toxicity for both, ecosystem and human health.…”