Molecular simulations of electroadhesion

Electroadhesion, or adhesion induced by an electric field, occurs between otherwise non-adhesive hydrogels; one cationic and the other anionic. After the application of an electric field (10 V) for several seconds, the hydrogels adhere to each other. The adhesion persists until an electric field of opposite polarity is applied. This phenomenon can be used in various biomedical applications, for example sutureless repairs in tissue engineering and surgery. Despite very promising applications, the molecular mechanism of electroadhesion is not yet understood. This lack of understanding limits the possibilities of rational choice of suitable hydrogel materials for electroadhesion to various surfaces. Here, we present preliminary results of molecular simulation of two surfaces coated with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, interacting with each other. Our model is a simplified representation of two hydrogels in contact during the electroadhesion. Using this model, we predict how the local structure of the interface is affected by bringing these surfaces close to each other and how the potential of mean force depends on the separation between these surfaces.