Scientists in China have created an innovative bone adhesive named Bone-02 that can mend fractured or broken bones in just about two to three minutes, even in wet, blood-rich conditions where traditional adhesives usually fail. This bio-absorbable glue dissolves naturally as the bone heals, alleviating the need for metal plates or screws and avoiding a second surgery to remove hardware.
The design was inspired by oysters, which adhere firmly to submerged surfaces. Researchers observed how oysters’ natural protein adhesives work underwater and used those principles to develop Bone-02, allowing strong bonding even in challenging environments inside the body.
In trials involving more than 150 patients, this adhesive showed promising strength and safety. Bones treated with Bone-02 demonstrated a bonding force exceeding 400 pounds, shear strength around 0.5 MPa, and compressive strength near 10 MPa. These metrics suggest the glue could potentially replace metal implants in many cases, reducing risks of infection and improving surgical outcomes.
Ongoing research aims to validate Bone-02’s performance across more complex fractures and ensure long-term biocompatibility. If successful, this breakthrough could transform orthopedic treatments—making them quicker, less invasive, and safer for patients.
