Medical glue heals open wounds in 60 seconds

American and Australian scientists have successfully created a special glue that can seal and heal wounds in one minute.

MeTro Surgical Glue Heals Lung Wounds. Video: Science Alert.

An international team of researchers has developed a flexible surgical adhesive called MeTro that can seal wounds in 60 seconds. The adhesive can seal serious wounds on the skin or internal organs without the need for needles or staples, according to Science Alert. The results of the study were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine on October 4.

MeTro is an adhesive developed from tropoelasti protein with methacryloyl substituents. Due to its flexible properties, the adhesive does not prevent the natural expansion and contraction of the skin and internal organs.

So far, scientists have successfully healed wounds in pig lungs and mouse arteries using MeTro glue. They are also preparing the necessary steps to conduct human trials. This product promises to replace traditional stitching methods, while also supporting the treatment of wounds in hard-to-reach locations.

MeTro glue is sprayed directly onto the wound. Photo: University of Sydney.

"As soon as MeTro glue comes into contact with the tissue at the wound, it solidifies into a gel without washing away. We then fix the glue with ultraviolet light so that it binds tightly to the structures on the tissue surface," said Nasim Annabi, a member of the research team at Northeastern University, USA.

MeTro can help wounds heal in half the time of stitches or staples. It works just like the silicone caulk you might use on tiles in your kitchen or bathroom. Once the wound heals, the glue dissolves away using enzymes that are non-toxic to the body.

"MeTro glue has many potential applications, from treating serious injuries in emergency situations such as car accidents or war, to improving the efficiency of surgeries in hospitals," said Anthony Weiss, a member of the research team at the University of Sydney, Australia.

According to VNE