Janus-Structured Microgel Barrier with Tissue Adhesive and Hemostatic Characteristics for Efficient Prevention of Postoperative Adhesion

Abstract

Postoperative adhesion (POA) is a common and serious complication following various types of surgery. Current physical barriers either have a short residence time at the surgical site with a low tissue attachment capacity or are prone to undesired adhesion formation owing to the double-sided adhesive property, which limits the POA prevention efficacy of the barriers. In this study, Janus-structured microgels (Janus-MGs) with asymmetric tissue adhesion capabilities are fabricated using a novel bio-friendly gas-shearing microfluidic platform. The anti-adhesive side of Janus-MGs, which consists of alginate, hyaluronic acid, and derivatives, endows the material with separation, lubrication, and adhesion prevention properties. The adhesive side provided Janus-MGs with tissue attachment and retention capability through catechol-based adhesion, thereby enhancing the in situ adhesion prevention effect. In addition, Janus-MGs significantly reduced blood loss and shortened the hemostatic time in rats, further reducing adhesion formation. Three commonly used rat POA models with different tissue structures and motion patterns are established in this study, namely peritoneal adhesion, intrauterine adhesion, and peritendinous adhesion models, and the results showed that Janus-MGs effectively prevented the occurrence of POA in all the models. The fabrication of Janus-MGs offers a reliable strategy and a promising paradigm for preventing POA following diverse surgical procedures.