A Universal Multifunctional Zinc Ionic Semi‐Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel Coating on Polymer Surfaces

ABSTRACT

Integration of hydrogel coatings onto medical devices holds great promise to mitigate tissue‐device contact issues, yet achieving robust interfacial bonding and multifunctionality remains challenging. Here, a universal multifunctional zinc ionic semi‐interpenetrating network hydrogel coating (Zn‐SIHC) is developed onto polymer surfaces for tissue‐friendly interventions. Zn‐SIHC is generated in situ through surface‐initiated polymerization of acrylamide (AM) as the primary covalent network. Chitosan is uniformly dispersed within this network, where zinc ions act as the cross‐linkers to establish a complementary ionic network. Incorporation of zinc ions enhances both tensile strength (fourfold increase) and peeling strength (uo tp ∼900 N/m) due to ionic reinforcement and ensures good antibacterial capability. Meanwhile, Zn‐SIHC exhibits favorable hydrophilic lubricity (CoF = 0.05), transparency (91%), antifouling properties, and biocompatibility. The clinical applicability of Zn‐SIHC in alleviating intubation‐related side effects is verified using an in vivo tracheal intubation model in cynomolgus monkeys. The potential mechanism by which Zn‐SIHC inhibits intubation injury‐induced inflammation and apoptosis is preliminarily deciphered. This work opens a new avenue for surface engineering of medical intervention devices.