Biodegradable Adhesive Systems for Bio-Integrated Applications

Abstract

Biodegradable adhesives, unlike their traditional counterparts, are engineered to bond to biological tissues while naturally degraded over time, thereby eliminating the need for removal procedures and reducing the risk of chronic inflammation. These unique features are particularly suitable for temporary biomedical applications such as wound closure, internal sealing, or integration with electronics for active/passive functions. The adhesive performance arises from the strategic combination of biodegradable polymers and adhesion mechanisms that dynamically interact with tissue surfaces. This review introduces recent advancements in biodegradable adhesives through a mechanism-based framework, focusing on five key adhesion strategies: physical interlocking, hydrogen bonding, catechol chemistry, amine-carboxyl coupling, and covalent bonding via diazirine or isocyanate linkages. For each strategy, representative material systems, functional properties, and biomedical implementations that enable strong, conformal adhesion under wet and physiological environments are highlighted, and with a discussion of current challenges and future directions toward intelligent, multifunctional bioadhesives for clinical uses are concluded.