Scientists develop glue which seals wounds in 60 seconds without the need for common staples or stitches

Biomedical engineers from the University of Sydney and the United States collaborated to develop a highly elastic and adhesive surgical glue that quickly seals wounds without the need for common staples or stitches.

Analysts and doctors say that this invention could transform how surgeries are performed.

The glue material has quickly and successfully sealed incisions in the arteries and lungs of rodents and the lungs of animals, without the need for sutures and staples.

The material also works on internal wounds that are often in hard-to-reach areas and have typically required staples or sutures due to surrounding body fluid hampering the effectiveness of other sealants.

HOW IT WORKS

MeTro sets in just 60 seconds once treated with UV light, and the technology has a built-in degrading enzyme which can be modified to determine how long the sealant lasts – from hours to months, in order to allow adequate time for the wound to heal.

The University of Sydney’s Professor Anthony Weiss described the process as resembling that of silicone sealants used around bathroom and kitchen tiles.

“When you watch MeTro, you can see it act like a liquid, filling the gaps and conforming to the shape of the wound,” he said.

“It responds well biologically, and interfaces closely with human tissue to promote healing. The gel is easily stored and can be squirted directly onto a wound or cavity.”

The next stage for the technology is clinical testing, Professor Weiss said.

“We have shown MeTro works in a range of different settings and solves problems other available sealants can’t. We’re now ready to transfer our research into testing on people. I hope MeTro will soon be used in the clinic, saving human lives.”