The monolithic, light-curable hyaluronic acid patch provides strong wet adhesion during durotomy repair

The monolithic, light-curable hyaluronic acid patch provides strong wet adhesion during durotomy repair

Durotomy is a common neurosurgical complication and involves a tear in the dura mater, the protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Damage can result in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, resulting in delayed healing, headaches, and infection, making a reliable waterproof dural closure essential.

Tissue adhesives are increasingly being investigated as an alternative to suturing for dural closure because they allow for easier and faster application. However, many existing glue-based sealants suffer from excessive swelling, resulting in mass effects and undesirable tissue adhesion, which can lead to postoperative complications. To address these limitations, researchers have studied Janus tissue patches, which feature two different surfaces - one that adheres tightly to tissue and another that prevents unwanted adhesion. Unfortunately, most existing Janus patches rely on multiple materials and complex, multi-step manufacturing processes, which limits their practical use.

In a groundbreaking study, a team of researchers from South Korea led by Professor Seung Yun Yang from the Department of Biomaterials Science at Pusan ​​National University developed an innovative light-responsive monolithic Janus Dural patch containing photocurable hyaluronic acid (HA) through a simple approach. “Our Dural plaster is made from natural biopolymer hyaluronic acid Provides strong wet adhesion and a gliding surface that subsequently prevents unwanted tissue adhesionsexposure to non-toxic visible light,explains Prof. Yang. Their study was made available online on December 16, 2025 and published in Volume 527 ofChemical Engineering Journalon January 1st, 2026.

The researchers chose HA because of its excellent biocompatibility as well as its intrinsic non-stick and lubricating properties. To enable light activation, HA was chemically modified with photocrosslinkable groups – methacrylate (MA) and 4-pentenoate (PA). The resulting HA-based solution was then lyophilized to form a patch with two different surfaces: a dense surface with a high polymer concentration and a porous surface with a lower polymer concentration. To further improve conformal adhesion to moist tissues, the patch was compressed to a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm.

Laboratory tests showed that the patch could completely close the wounds within five seconds using low-energy visible light. The dense outer surface demonstrated strong wet adhesion and achieved high burst pressure and approximately 50% lower friction than conventional dural sealants. Remarkably, the bond strength was up to ten times higher than that of commercially available tissue adhesives. At the same time, the porous surface efficiently absorbed liquids and helped prevent accidental tissue adhesion. The patch also demonstrated minimal swelling and reduced mass effect – less than 200% swelling and a weight gain of approximately 0.1g – while maintaining high extensibility, flexibility and excellent biocompatibility.

The team also tested the developed patch in a rabbit durotomy model, where it achieved rapid and effective dural closure without damaging the surrounding skull, dura mater, or brain tissue. The photocurable dural patch was transferred to the biotech company SNvia, which has set up large-scale production facilities for photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid. Non-clinical studies are expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. An application for clinical testing of medical devices to the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is planned for the same year.

Prof. Yang points out that the technology enables rapid wound sealing and reduces the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Importantly, the study provides practical evidence supporting the clinical safety and applicability of photocross-linkable hyaluronic acid (HAMA-PA). Its strong adhesion to wet tissues also suggests broader potential for drug delivery patches, cell-loaded constructs, and artificial tissues.

Overall, this innovative dural patch offers great potential for use in various applications that require a quick, waterproof seal.

Sources: