Figure 11.

Schematic illustration of composite adhesive consisted of PEG‐catechol containing either a nano‐silicate, Laponite, or gelatin microgels. Catechol forms reversible non‐covalent crosslinking with Laponite (A) and irreversible covalent crosslinking with functional groups (e.g.,–NH₂, –SH) found on the gelatin microgels, (B) contributing to the increased bulk mechanical properties of the adhesive. Catechol also polymerizes (C) and reacts with nucleophilic groups found on tissue surface (D), resulting in rapid curing of the adhesive and interfacial binding, respectively.