| Abstract Scope |
High prevalence of meniscus injuries in the U.S. results in over one million annual surgeries for repair or replacement. Inner meniscus injuries pose a challenge due to their poor natural healing abilities, leading to tear propagation, deterioration, and subsequent osteoarthritis. Demand exists for a bio-adhesive to facilitate healing in the avascular meniscal zone. Here, we report the synthesis of water-soluble hydrophilic polydopamine (hPDA) from water-insoluble polydopamine (PDA). The hPDA can be used as an adhesive component to develop hydrogel-based bio-adhesives. Although progress has been made in using bio glues for meniscus healing, there is still a knowledge gap when it comes to developing a bioadhesive that can enhance adhesion, ensure stability, and facilitate healing in the avascular region of the meniscus. Here, we introduce a method to bridge the existing knowledge gap by introducing hPDA fueled bioadhesive for meniscus tear healing. |