Developing Novel Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA) Films with Enhanced Adhesion Capacity by Biomimetic Mushroom-Shaped Microstructures

The adhesion strength of biomimetic mushroom-shaped microstructures made of a biocompatible and biodegradable copolymer, PLGA, is experimentally studied. The adhesive microstructures were successfully produced using a two-step molding technique. The adhesive experiments were performed on a flat and smooth glass substrate using different normal preloads and under both dry (in air) and wet (underwater) contact conditions. Regardless of contact conditions, mushroom-shaped microstructures generate much higher adhesion strength compared to a flat smooth reference sample made of the same PLGA material. Furthermore, PLGA mushroom-shaped microstructures exhibited superior adhesion strength using agar substrate as a representative material for biological tissue. Surface texturing indicates a good approach to modify adhesive properties PLGA without additional excipients. The effect of surface texturing is more pronounced under wet contact condition. The concept of using biomimetic adhesive surfaces made of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers is very promising for potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering and biomedical field.