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Medical science has grown tremendously over the past decade, with breakthroughs occurring on an almost daily basis.
The latest medical breakthrough is sure to change the way surgery is performed. Biomedical engineers from the University of Sydney and the United States joined forces to develop a highly elastic and adhesive surgical glue that seals wounds within seconds.
Dubbed MeTro, the gel-like material is ideal for sealing wounds. Especially wounds in body tissue and organs which continually expand and relax, such as the heart, lungs and arteries. Furthermore, the substance also works on internal wounds that are in hard to reach areas. Truly a revolutionary product which is sure to positively impact not only surgeries around the world, but emergency situations as well, such as War zone procedures.
MeTro sets in a mere 60 seconds when treated with UV light. The technology even has a degrading enzyme which can be modified to determine how long the glue lasts. Whether it be hours or months, the glue remains in place until the wound is healed.
MeTro combines natural elastic protein technologies developed in partnership with Professor Anthony Weiss, and with light sensitive molecules developed in collaboration with Professor Ali Khademhesseini.
The lead author of the study, Assistant Professor Nasim Annabi of the Department of Chemical Engineering at North Eastern University, oversaw the application of MeTro. To date, the liquid has successfully been tested on incisions in the lungs and arteries of rodents, as well as the lungs of pigs.
According to Annabi, the moment MeTro meets tissue surfaces it solidifies into a gel-phase. In fact, Professor Weiss compares the process as resembling that of silicone sealants used around bathroom tiles.
As the solution responds well biologically, the potential it holds cannot be ignored. The next step is testing it on humans.
With high hopes for the future. It seems healthcare is developing to a level where we will no longer fear life-threatening surgery.
