Stimuli-sensitive complexation and the strongly adhesive antibacterial gel from biocompatible PolyAspAm(EA/EDA) and tannic acid

Abstract

A polyaspartamide containing both hydroxyl and amine pendants, PolyAspAm(EA/EDA), was prepared. Upon mixing PolyAspAm(EA/EDA) with tannic acid (TA) in an aqueous solution, a viscous complex gel or precipitates are formed, where the complexation behavior is influenced by composition, pH, and temperature. The reversible phase change depending on pH and temperature suggested that the complex gel formation be driven by physical bonding, mainly hydrogen bonding. TA, a plant-derived polyphenolic compound, was used as gelator and adhesion promoter. The adhesive and antibacterial properties of complex gels are discussed. This polyaspartamide/TA based physical gel has potential as a stimuli-responsive and biocompatible adhesive.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Adhesive gel
• antibacterial properties
• hydrogen bonding
• polyaspartamide
• reversible gelation
• stimuli-responsive
• tannic acid

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Research Foundation of Korea, under Grant [NRF-2016R1D1A1A09918727].