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Worm glue could be used to repair broken bones
The use of metal wires, pins and screws to repair broken bones could be a thing of the past thanks to glue derived from a marine worm.
Researchers at the the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, have mimicked the sandcastle worm’s own glue to produce a biodegradable adhesive which is both super-strong and unaffected by water.
The worm, also known as Phragmatopoma californica, produces an adhesive that does not mix with water and can bond to wet objects. It does this by setting in response to changes in acidity.
Presenting his findings at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting in Washington DC, study leader Dr Russell Stewart said: ‘We recognised that the mechanism used by the sandcastle worm is really a perfect vehicle for producing an underwater adhesive.
‘This glue, just like the worm’s glue, is a fluid material that, although it doesn’t mix with water, is water soluble.’
Currently, a metal framework of nails, wires, pins and metal screws is used to support broken bones until they can bear weight.
The glue would mean surgeons could avoid putting metal in the body, as well as fasten small bone fragments more easily.
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Readers' comments (2)
yasmina gustave | 19-Aug-2009 1:23 am
wow, this is one of the most amazing findings yet , healthcare/medicine is ever changing and i appreciate this different, spectacular approach to healing of broken bones.
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Shona Hegarty | 19-Aug-2009 2:54 pm
I find this completely amazing in regards the alterations that this practice could have for future generations. This process would in my opinion be less likely to cause the same level of tramua to the body that the surgical procedures using pins and screws can cause. A brave and substantial step towards an ever changing world.
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