A new cyanoacrylate-poly(lactic acid)-based system for a wound dressing with on-demand removal

Abstract The chemical modification of materials with other polymers has become an effective strategy to improve their physicochemical properties, thus expanding their biomedical applications. In this study, a new polymerizable system based on poly(lactic acid)-modified cyanoacrylate (PLA-CA) was developed. The liquid monomers could rapidly polymerize into solid flexible films on skin and wound surfaces. Both in vitro and in vivo tests showed that the polymer could adhere firmly to the skin and provide coverage protection. More importantly, the polymer could be easily removed on demand by rubbing with a wet cotton swab. Antimicrobial, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity testing further demonstrated that this system has the potential to be used as a wound dressing material. This work may lead to the construction of new graft polymers, which may also be applicable to polyglycolic acid, chitosan, and other biomaterials.