Researchers develop biodegradable hydrogel adhesive for sealing internal soft-tissue incisions using inspiration from nature.
A UCLA-led research team has created a new, biodegradable hydrogel adhesive that is reported to be three-times stronger than comparable bioglues. Injected from a syringe, the bioglue’s honey-like viscosity coupled with its fast-sealing action could improve precision in closing surgical wounds on curved and wet tissues. The new glue, which contains more than 80% water, was inspired by the way that mussels adhere themselves to rocks, pier pilings, and other wet surfaces.
Suturing and stapling are standard techniques to close surgical wounds, but these methods are inefficient for sealing internal soft-tissue incisions such as those on the heart, lung, and bladder tissues. Even the current best surgical adhesives are runny when first applied, making them difficult to control. They also take a long time to set and can cause unwanted adhesion due to dripping.