Supramolecular elastomer adhesive with rapid self-healing underwater adhesion for biosensing and sutureless wound closure

With the global population aging and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the demand for real-time, accurate, and personalized health monitoring has become imperative. Rapid self-healing, stable adhesion, and environmental stability are important characteristics for a flexible sensor to achieve stable signal acquisition. In this study, we introduced a supramolecular elastomer (PGS-0.03U-CNTs-0.2PIL) composed of poly(glycidyl sebacate), ureido-pyrimidinone, carbon nanotubes, and poly(ionic liquid). The elastomer integrates hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole interactions and hydrophobic interactions, resulting in strong underwater adhesion (41.1 kPa), rapid self-healing. The synergistic properties of PGS-0.03U-CNTs-PIL surpass those of currently available self-healing and self-adhesive elastomers. As a strain sensor, PGS-0.03U-CNTs-PIL exhibited a wide monitoring range and excellent cyclic stability, which contributes to the precise monitoring of joint motion and Morse code transmission. Additionally, as a bioelectrode, it enables real-time electrocardiogram and electromyogram monitoring in wet and underwater environments, outperforming commercial electrodes. And PGS-0.03U-CNTs-PIL was used to achieve the diagnosis of heart attack disease and the judgement of muscle fatigue. Furthermore, its strong adhesion, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility promote the healing of infected incisional wounds in vivo, achieving almost complete recovery within 14 days. The exceptional properties of PGS-0.03U-CNTs-PIL highlight its potential for future health monitoring and wound healing applications.