Chinese researchers have developed a glue that, when applied, turns into, effectively, human bone. Lead researcher Lin Xianfeng said the glue has the potential power to “achieve precise fixation within two to three minutes.” If it proves to be as affective as possible, Bone-02 could not only rapidly heal broken bones, it could save millions of lives.
from The Cool Down
A cutting-edge medical breakthrough could help change the way that doctors are able to treat fractures.
As reported in Interesting Engineering, a team of Chinese researchers has developed Bone-02, a dissolvable bone glue that aims to streamline the healing process in fractures. The technology is inspired by the way oysters attach to surfaces underwater.
Led by Lin Xianfeng, an associate chief orthopedic surgeon, the research team sought to reduce the number of potential complications that arise in traditional fracture treatments. According to Lin, the groundbreaking adhesive has the ability to “achieve precise fixation within two to three minutes.”
Research into Bone-02 began in 2016 after the team began to look for methods to combat the wet, blood-rich environment of the human body. Lin explained that he took inspiration from marine species after observing oysters that were effectively adhered to a bridge’s underwater structure despite the force of the waves hitting against them. Oysters are able to stick to underwater surfaces by secreting an organic cement onto the hard surface, which then hardens and binds the oyster to its new home.
