Wound management is essential to ensure a speedy and safe recovery, and tissue adhesive patches are an attractive option that can replace sutures and stapling. In a recent study, scientists from Incheon National University, South Korea have developed a new type of gelatin-based tissue adhesive hydrogel that locally generates oxygen through a reaction mediated by calcium peroxide, which improves the adhesiveness of the material and greatly enhances the healing process.

Their approach is centered around the addition of calcium peroxide (CaO₂) as an ingredient when preparing the hydrogel solution, giving rise to gelatin-based oxygen-generating tissue adhesives (GOTs). This compound reacts easily with water to release molecular oxygen (O₂), facilitating the oxidation of dopamine (DA) molecules, promoting DA polymerisation and healing of the wound.

Additionally, the researchers conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrating that their GOTs improved coagulation, blood closure, and neovascularisation.

The team plans to pursue clinical trials and commercialisation of this material through follow-up research and ultimately contribute to improving the quality of human life by developing next-generation tissue adhesive materials that can be applied to humans.