Korean Research Team Develops Conductive Bioglue for Wet Tissue and Bioelectronic Applications

A research team led by Professor Hyung Joon Cha of POSTECH and Professor Kang-Il Song of Pukyong National University has developed a conductive bioglue designed to provide both tissue adhesion and electrical signal transmission in wet biological environments.

According to the researchers, the material was inspired by the way mussels adhere to underwater surfaces. The team developed a liquid protein-based adhesive that does not mix with water and is designed to remain conductive after application. The researchers also incorporated an electro-crosslinking mechanism that enables the adhesive to rapidly solidify into a gel when stimulated electrically.

The study addressed a long-standing challenge in biomedical materials: achieving stable adhesion and electrical connectivity inside the body, where blood and interstitial fluids can interfere with conventional bonding methods. The authors reported that traditional adhesives often have limited performance in wet environments and may not provide sufficient electrical conductivity for long-term therapeutic or monitoring applications.

In tissue-to-tissue testing, the researchers found that the adhesive was able to reconnect interrupted electrical signaling between nerves and muscles in severed tissue. According to the study, this contributed to regeneration and recovery of motor function without the use of additional sutures.

The team also evaluated the material in tissue-to-device applications, where it was used to attach bioelectronic devices to organ surfaces. The researchers reported that the adhesive reduced electrical resistance between tissue and device interfaces, supporting more stable biological signal monitoring over time.

Professor Cha said the work represents a biomaterial platform intended not only for adhesion, but also for signal transmission under physiological conditions. The research team indicated that the technology may have future relevance for implantable bioelectronics, rehabilitation, and nerve regeneration therapies.

The study was published online in the journal Biomaterials and was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea.

Source: POSTECH / Biomaterials