Photo: unian
Chinese researchers have announced the creation of a revolutionary treatment for bone fractures — a special “superglue” capable of fusing broken bones within minutes, a process that normally takes months.
The idea was developed by scientists from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou. The adhesive, named Bone-02, has already been successfully tested in more than 150 clinical cases, reports The New York Post.
The team drew inspiration from the common oyster, a marine mollusk that can attach itself to surfaces underwater using a natural bio-adhesive. This substance forms strong, erosion-resistant bonds in both salty and constantly moving water. These properties became the foundation for the new fracture-healing material.
One reported case involved a patient with a fractured wrist. Doctors made a 3-centimeter incision and applied the adhesive to the injured area. According to the developers, the bone fused in just three minutes. By comparison, traditional surgery would have required the installation of a metal plate and screws, followed by another operation a year later to remove them.
Another revolutionary feature of Bone-02 is its ability to naturally dissolve in the body, eliminating the need for repeat surgeries and reducing the risk of infection.
Bone-02 has already been patented in China and abroad. However, researchers note that additional clinical trials are required before the product can be widely introduced into medical practice.
