Medical glue advances may cut bleeding time

A barnacle-inspired glue seals bleeding wounds in seconds and may replace stitches, staples, and slow adhesives in future surgeries.

New bio-inspired medical glue seals bleeding wounds in seconds

Researchers at MIT and the Mayo Clinic are developing bioadhesives that can seal wet tissues and stop bleeding quickly. The paste combines medical-grade silicone oil with engineered polymer microparticles to push away blood and fluids so tissue can bond, forming a seal in about 15 seconds even on bloodied wounds. In animal tests, the adhesive sealed liver injuries in pigs and performed better than existing products, while dissolving safely inside the body over time. A separate line of work has produced an adhesive that can be detached on demand with a mild chemical solution, enabling surgeons to reposition implants or remove devices without further damage.

These advances are meant to cut surgery times, reduce scarring, and improve patient recovery. If successful in larger trials and cost-effective to produce, the glues could supplement or even replace sutures and staples in some procedures, with potential use in ambulances and battlefield care. Regulators will weigh safety, biocompatibility, and long-term outcomes before widespread adoption.

The results are promising, but the real test lies in large patient trials and real-world use. If doctors can rely on a glue that seals quickly in wet tissue, it could shift how emergency care and surgeries are planned and executed.

The reversible, on-demand adhesive adds a cautious optimism. It reduces the fear of getting stuck with devices that cannot be removed without tissue damage, while still demanding rigorous safety data. The path to clinical adoption will hinge on cost, training, and clear regulatory guidelines that reassure clinicians and patients alike.

Highlights

The next tests will show if lab gains translate to real patients.