Researchers have developed experimental surgical glue from the sticky and elastic properties of slug mucus.
Scientists have been focusing on surgical glues as an alternative to sutures and staples for closing wounds. Even though some medical glues have been developed before, they often adhere weakly and are not very flexible and it is difficult to use them in very wet conditions.
A group of scientists from Harvard and other research centres have taken inspiration from the sticky mucus of slugs to develop tough, flexible glues designed to help patch up wounds, reported VOA news.
The slugs’ generate a substance that adheres strongly to wet surfaces and has a matrix that dissipates energy at the point of adhesion which makes it flexible.
“There are a variety of potential uses and in some settings, this could replace sutures and staples, which can cause damage and be difficult to place in certain situations,” said researcher David Mooney, professor of bioengineering at Harvard.
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