POS8-1237
Development of a Lyophilized Self-Healing Adhesive Hydrogel Patch for the Treatment of Oral Mucositis
Topic
S8. Frontiers of Functional Polymers in Biology and Medicine
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
YOUNGBIN KIM (Yonsei University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Conventional patches for inflammatory diseases often exhibit poor retention in moist mucosal environments, which may limit their therapeutic efficacy. Biocompatible hydrogels with adhesive and self-healing properties can provide improved structural stability under dynamic physiological conditions, while lyophilization may facilitate long-term storage and practical application. In this study, we developed a self-healing adhesive hydrogel through a simple mixing process using biocompatible polymeric materials with potential anti-inflammatory properties and adhesiveness. The hydrogel network was constructed through reversible imine bonds formed by Schiff base reactions and multiple hydrogen-bonding interactions, enabling structural recovery after deformation. In addition, the abundant phenolic groups contributed to enhanced adhesion under wet conditions.
The resulting hydrogel exhibited favorable rheological properties, including sufficient mechanical strength and excellent self-healing capacity, as well as effective adhesion to porcine skin. Physicochemical characterization further demonstrated swelling, degradation, and release behaviors suitable for potential drug delivery applications. Notably, no significant differences in the major rheological and adhesive properties were observed before and after lyophilization, indicating preservation of hydrogel functionality during the freeze-drying process. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of a lyophilized self-healing adhesive hydrogel patch as a platform for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly in dynamic and moist mucosal environments where structural stability and prolonged adhesion are required.
The resulting hydrogel exhibited favorable rheological properties, including sufficient mechanical strength and excellent self-healing capacity, as well as effective adhesion to porcine skin. Physicochemical characterization further demonstrated swelling, degradation, and release behaviors suitable for potential drug delivery applications. Notably, no significant differences in the major rheological and adhesive properties were observed before and after lyophilization, indicating preservation of hydrogel functionality during the freeze-drying process. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of a lyophilized self-healing adhesive hydrogel patch as a platform for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly in dynamic and moist mucosal environments where structural stability and prolonged adhesion are required.
