Undoubtedly, one of the main problems of surgeons during emergency operations (or in case of unforeseen complications) is the fight against bleeding. In this case, the "standard" methods of coagulation and wound closure are not always convenient and fast. But recently, a group of scientists from Harvard managed to develop an adhesive for human tissue. This glue adheres well to any wet surface, making it possible to "glue" even damaged heart muscle.
The new development is reported by the editors of Science magazine. According to the report, the new substance was developed on the basis of a compound secreted by the land slug Arion subfuscus, which lives in Western and Central Europe. Arion subfuscus produces a sticky substance that does not dissolve in water and at the same time adheres well to any wet surface, even to the ground. "Natural glue" consists of a number of protein chains, negatively and positively charged. These chains, connecting with each other, form long links.
Using alginates, sugary fibers extracted from algae, a hydrogel and an analogue of a slug compound, scientists have developed a "glue for human tissue." A liquid substance or even a plaster based on a new material sticks to the surface in three different ways, forming strong covalent and less strong ionic and hydrogen bonds. The "gripping" force generated by these bonds, experts say, is significantly higher than that for ligaments and cartilage. Alginate strands are involved in the formation of the strongest bonds and dissipate energy when the glued surface is compressed and stretched. The new technology patch can be stretched up to 14 times without tearing.
Scientists tested their material in a series of laboratory tests. They successfully sealed injured rat muscles, pig skin and even damaged pig heart. The substance itself does not cause irritation, allergic reactions or other complications. As stated by Donald Ingber, who worked on the technology, “Nature often offers us elegant solutions to everyday problems. The main thing is to understand where to find a solution. We are very pleased that our technology, the ancestor of which was a simple snail, can become the basis for new methods of treating wounds and performing surgical operations."
Vladimir Kuznetsov