Injectable, strong and bioadhesive catechol-chitosan hydrogels physically crosslinked using sodium bicarbonate

Fast-gelling chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels have proven to be excellent matrices for targeted drug-delivery and cell therapy. In this work, we demonstrate the possibility of designing injectable bioadhesive with a high gelation rate by modifying catechol (cat-CH) using sodium bicarbonate (SHC) as gelling agent. Cat-CH/SHC gel under 5 min at 37 °C reach secant modulus after 24 h (E = 90 kPa 50% strain). Besides, they show significantly higher adhesion tissues than thanks combination grafting physical crosslinking. Their pH osmolality stayed inside physiological range. While biocompability tests will mandatory conclude regarding their potential drug or encapsulation, these uniquely combine compatibility, injectability, fast gelation, good cohesion, bioadhesion. • Combining catechol-chitosan results in strong, hydrogels. Optimizing concentration allows achieve network cohesion therefore increase H IncreIncreasing extent creates steric hindrance, which leads decreased mechanical properties speed.