New double-sided sticky tape connects tissue diverged after surgery

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a new adhesive tape that can connect tissues that have dispersed after the surgery, BBC reported. 

The nature inspired the creation of this adhesive tape: spiders secrete a special substance to catch prey in the rain (in a wet environment). This substance absorbs water, and the same does adhesive tape for the body.

The new adhesive tape was tested on the skin, intestines, liver, stomach and lungs of pigs and rats, and it turned out that it took only a few seconds to achieve the desired effect.

Due to the fluid on the surface of the fabric, it is difficult to form a strong bond. Suturing holds the tissue together, but it often leads to infection of the wound and pain. Commercially available adhesive formulations for wounds begin to work only after a few minutes, in addition, they can penetrate into other parts of the body.

As the scientists explained, spiders secrete a sticky substance containing polysaccharides, which almost instantly absorb water from the surface of the body of the insect, leaving a small dry area. The glue can then stick to it. Researchers used polyacrylic acid on the tape to absorb fluid from body tissue surfaces. The acid activated the glue and adhesion occurred as quickly as possible. According to the researchers, the addition of gelatin or chitosan will allow the tape on which the acid is applied to maintain its shape for several days or even a month.