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Biodegradable Biomedical Adhesive

  • 28 Oct 2023

Recently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) have developed a cutting-edge synthetic biomedical adhesive capable of effectively sealing and repairing injured tissues, offering a wide range of applications in medicine, dentistry, and more.

Key Points

  • Innovative Biomedical Adhesive: IISER Bhopal researchers have engineered a transparent synthetic biomedical adhesive that can securely bind various surfaces, including tissues, bones, eggshells, and wood.
  • The adhesive is compatible with both air and underwater conditions, eliminating the need for additional crosslinking agents or metal ions.
  • Versatile Applications: This biodegradable and biocompatible adhesive has far-reaching applications in the medical field, dentistry, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
  • It can serve as an alternative to sutures, staples, and wires for wound closures and enhance bone repair in orthopedic procedures.
  • Eco-Friendly Usage: Beyond the medical domain, these adhesives can contribute to eco-friendly packaging and product development, fostering sustainability across various industries.
  • Biological Inspiration: While adhesive materials based on natural polymers have been developed in the past, these often posed issues such as immunological reactions and limited applications in cosmetics and surface tissue adhesion due to color variations.
  • Innovative Materials: The researchers employed a blend of oppositely charged, water-soluble polyelectrolytes known for their biodegradability and biocompatibility.
  • These polymers contain amide groups and thiol residues, which facilitate strong adhesion through hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds. The resulting adhesive layer is transparent and colorless.
  • Adherence and Porosity: The team developed three formulations, with "A30" emerging as a potent adhesive, capable of binding mammalian bones, wood, glass, mica, and aluminum. Adhesive A30 boasts a 40% porosity, promoting tissue regeneration by allowing cell movement while distributing weight or pressure across the adhered joint for faster healing.
  • Underwater Bonding: The researchers successfully demonstrated the adhesive's ability to bond two glass slabs underwater without dissolving, emulating the properties of natural marine animal-secreted adhesives.