this invention relates primarily to organofunctional monomers , predominantly dimethacrylates and / or diacrylates containing one or more ( predominantly two carboxyl groups , with moieties that provide sufficient affinity with water to allow any desired amount of water and / or miscible fugitive solvents to be mixed homogeneously with these monomers and formulations containing them . the activity of water in the monomer formulations can be adjusted so that it is equal to the water activity in biological tissues . this promotes biocompatibility and enhances the adhesive characteristics of polymers prepared from these formulations . probability statistics are disclosed that optimize the compositions of polymer reaction products . also disclosed are novel , dual - purpose synthesis reaction monomers , catalysts , stabilizers , polymerization initiators and / or cophotoinitiators that have solubility and surface - activity characteristics such that they will not become separated by partitioning during penetration of hydrated layers on or in the substrate adherends . these formulations may be used for light - cured or chemical - cured bonding to soft or hard tissues , metal , porcelain , ceramic or other surfaces . a potential application for the composition is the holding together , by an overlying layer of resulting polymer , tissues adjacent to incisions and wounds . the polymerized composition might replace suturing , and allow for the healing of soft tissues .