In a remarkable medical breakthrough poised to transform orthopaedic care, Chinese scientists have developed the world's first bone adhesive that can repair fractures in just minutes.
The innovative material, named ‘Bone-02’, marks a significant advancement in trauma medicine and could soon facilitate faster, less invasive, and more effective complex bone reconstruction surgeries.
This revolutionary adhesive was inspired by an unexpected source: oysters. Lead researcher Dr Lin Xianfeng and his team from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou observed how these marine organisms cling to wet, moving surfaces, such as bridge pylons in turbulent seawater.
This natural phenomenon provided the blueprint for crafting a medical adhesive capable of functioning effectively in the challenging, moisture-rich, and blood-laden environment of the human body - a difficulty that has long hindered previous attempts to develop bone glues.
Professor Fan Shunwu explained that the performance of Bone-02 is nothing short of extraordinary. The adhesive achieves maximum bonding strength in approximately two to three minutes, forming a bond that can withstand forces exceeding 400 pounds (180kg). It is particularly effective in addressing complex bone repairs, such as comminuted fractures.
"One is the issue of biological safety, the other is the problem of adhesive strength. For over a century, experts worldwide have been working on bone glue to overcome these two major bottlenecks, yet no breakthrough has been achieved," he said.
The professor further elaborated on the application process, which is remarkably straightforward. Doctors can inject the glue through a small incision of just 2-3 cm, eliminating the need for the large incisions traditionally required for installing metal plates and screws.
“As an orthopaedic surgeon with over forty years' experience, I have long harboured a dream of developing bone cement. Consequently, our team commenced research and development on this product over a decade ago, entrusting the project to Dr Lin's generation. It is we younger members who have truly brought this cement to fruition,” added Professor Fan Shunwu.
The adhesive is naturally absorbed by the body as the bone heals, typically within six months. This feature eliminates the necessity for follow-up surgeries to remove hardware, significantly reducing recovery time, surgical risks, and healthcare costs.
The glue has already demonstrated promising results in clinical applications, having been successfully tested in over 150 patients during multi-centre clinical trials.
This groundbreaking technology stands to benefit not only hospital patients but also those in emergency and disaster scenarios, where rapid fracture stabilisation can be life-saving.
This breakthrough was developed by Professor Fan Shunwu and Associate Chief Physician Lin Xianfeng of the Department of Orthopaedics at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, affiliated with Zhejiang University Scho
