Enhanced biocompatibility and adhesive properties by aromatic amino acid-modified allyl 2-cyanoacrylate-based bio-glue

Cyanoacrylates have numerous advantages, including that they can be applied quickly during first aid and can provide good cosmetic outcomes, but they also have limitations in that they have a low bond strength and local tissue toxicity. Consequently, they are primarily used only in urgent applications. To improve both the biocompatibility and the mechanical properties of cyanoacrylate, allyl 2-cyanoacrylate (AC) was prepolymerized and mixed with a dopamine co-initiator. Various properties of prepolymerized AC (PAC)/dopamine mixtures were tested using mouse fibroblast cell (L-929), including their bond strength, setting time, crystallization intensity, and cytotoxicity. Enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility were confirmed, and a cytotoxicity test was used to determine the optimal conditions for prepolymerization of AC to be 130 °C for 60 min. A combination of 5 mg of dopamine in 5 ml of PAC achieved a high bond strength with cytotoxicity of the dopamine/PAC at approximately 1.5 times lower than that of PAC. These results indicate that dopamine/PAC materials can be extensively used as advanced bio-glues in various applications.