Multifunctional SIS-PEG-AC bio-patch with enhanced adhesion, sustained anti-inflammatory activity, and regenerative properties to promote lung repair

Postoperative complications, such as air leakage, inflammation, and pleural adhesion, present considerable clinical challenges following lung resection procedures. These complications critically affect pulmonary recovery. In this study, we report a novel multifunctional self-adhesive bio-patch SIS-PEG-AC, which synergistically combines the biological activity of small intestinal submucosa (SIS), the effective sealing air leaks provided by polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating, and the anti-inflammatory effects of asiaticoside (AC). Compared to SIS, which exhibited limited tissue adhesion (0.73 kPa), the SIS-PEG-AC patch demonstrated a 30-fold increase in adhesiveness, achieving robust tissue adhesion (23.31 kPa) and significantly enhanced reparative capacity. AC delivered from the PEG hydrogel coating in a sustained manner, promoting the polarization of macrophages to M2 phenotype, to suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, thereby establishing a pro-regenerative ecological environment. The results of 28-day implantation on rat lung injury and 70-day implantation on pig lung wedge resection showed, the SIS-PEG-AC achieved excellent wound sealing, minimized postoperative pleural adhesions and significantly accelerated lung tissue regeneration. Compared with traditional synthetic polymers, the SIS-PEG-AC patch exhibited reduced adverse reactions, superior host tissue integration, and heightened control of the regenerative microenvironment, providing a promising approach to mitigate postoperative complications. Overall, this multifunctional patch demonstrates considerable clinical potential in lung repair, offering an effective strategy for thoracic surgical interventions.