New bio-glue mends bone fractures in as little as 3 minutes, researchers say

A team of Chinese researchers has announced an innovative medical adhesive called Bone 02 that can be injected to bond fractured bone fragments in as little as three minutes. The new adhesive material was inspired by the remarkable ability of oysters to cling to underwater surfaces. It was developed by a research team led by Dr. Lin Xianfeng at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital.

The researchers designed the new bio-glue to mimic the protein-rich, calcium carbonate-based material excreted by oysters, which hardens quickly under wet, salty, and constantly moving environments. Bone 02 works equally well inside the human body, bonding shattered bone fragments in 2–3 minutes, even in a blood-rich environment.

The material has reportedly been tried on over 150 patients. In the laboratory tests, the glue demonstrated a strong bonding force of over 400 pounds ( about 181 kg) and a compressive strength of ∼10 MPa, showing its potential to replace traditional metal implants like plates and screws.

This glue holds an advantage over previous developments — it is biodegradable and naturally absorbed by the body as the bone heals, eliminating the need for a second surgery. This development could lead to faster and less invasive procedures, reducing surgery time and simplifying orthopedic surgery. It could also lead to reduced costs for patients and lower the risks of infection and other complications associated with metal hardware.