A research team in Zhejiang Province, China, has unveiled a medical adhesive capable of repairing fractures and shattered bones in as little as three minutes.
The new material, named “Bone-02,” could revolutionize orthopedic surgery by offering a faster, less invasive alternative to metal implants.
Inspired by Nature
Project leader Lin Xianfeng, associate chief orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, explained that the idea came from observing how oysters cling firmly to bridges under water.
Using this inspiration, the team created a glue that bonds bones securely in blood-rich environments where most adhesives fail.
Unlike screws and steel plates, Bone-02 naturally degrades as the bone heals, removing the need for a second surgery.
Clinical Testing and Results
The adhesive has already been tested in over 150 patients, with both laboratory and clinical results showing strong performance in terms of safety and durability.
In some cases, procedures that typically require lengthy fixation with implants were completed in under three minutes using the adhesive.
The trials demonstrated a bonding force of more than 400 pounds, shear strength of 0.5 MPa, and compressive strength of around 10 MPa.
Researchers believe these results point to the glue’s potential to replace traditional implants, while also reducing the risks of infection, rejection, and additional surgery.
A Leap Forward in Orthopedic Care
At present, bone cements and fillers are used in fracture treatment, but none act as true adhesives. Past attempts dating back to the 1940s with gelatin, epoxy resins, and acrylates were abandoned due to poor biocompatibility.
Bone-02, however, appears to overcome these challenges with a formula that combines strength, speed, and compatibility with the human body.
While I no doubt appreciate chinese efforts
There are too many wrongs with this claim.
No peer reviewed research
Rapid healing creates mutations which result in cancer (yup that’s how it works)
Anything that can heal you rapidly can cause cancer. That’s just how nature works
Article is written badly.
The glue holds the fracture in place…. Bone heals in its own time.
Wrong title. Broken bones do not heal in 3 minutes. This adhesive glue keeps the bones intact until they are healed.