TLDR: Key Points
- MIT researchers have developed a 3D-printable tissue adhesive for surgical settings.
- The adhesive offers rapid tissue adhesion, sealing capabilities, and a unique blood-repelling feature.
Researchers from MIT have introduced a novel 3D printable tissue adhesive that revolutionizes wound care and biomedical device applications. The technology provides superior tissue adhesion, rapid sealing capabilities, and a blood-repelling feature, addressing common challenges faced by traditional adhesives. Tissue adhesives offer advantages over sutures and staples, promoting reduced tissue trauma and quicker application. However, the new 3D printable adhesive surpasses current products, showcasing remarkable strength, toughness, and biocompatibility.
The research focused on developing a unique tissue adhesive ink comprising poly(acrylic acid) grafted to polyurethane. This composition, combined with a blood-repelling hydrophobic matrix, allows for strong adhesion to tissues and effective sealing in challenging surgical scenarios. The adhesive’s versatility is demonstrated through the integration of electronic components, potential applications in bio-integrated devices, and customizable properties for tissue-specific requirements.
Notably, the breakthrough in infusing the adhesive with a blood-repellent fluid enhances its functionality in heavily bleeding tissues, overcoming a common limitation. Mechanical tests, biocompatibility studies, and in vivo experiments on tissue repairs confirm the adhesive’s resilience, safety, and successful integration into surrounding tissues. The adhesive sets a new standard in biomedical technology, offering exciting possibilities for wound closure, tissue repair, and various tissue-interfacing devices.