J Korean Med Assoc.  2014 Jul;57(7):609-613. 10.5124/jkma.2014.57.7.609.

Surgical sealants, glues and adhesive agents in the medical market

• Han HH
• Rhie JW

• KMID: 2194897
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2014.57.7.609

Abstract

Suture threads have been the mainstay material for bonding biologic tissues in the medical field, and are still used as the basic method for wound closure; on the other hand, various types of medical glue have also been continuously developed as an alternative approach. Cyanoacrylate, fibrin glue, protein glue, polyethylene glycol polymer hydrogel glue, and mussel protein are currently marketed as clinical products; among these, cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue are the most widely used bonding materials. Cyanoacrylate hardens rapidly with a high bonding strength, but is vulnerable to external stress and has tissue toxicity; fibrin glue may be easily applied on wide tissue surfaces and has an excellent hemostatic effect, but has a weak bonding strength and may provide a spreading source for infectious disease through its blood components. A perfect bonding material without such disadvantages is yet to be developed, and it is important to use each product judiciously with regard to its merits and drawbacks. Many types of medical glue are being developed and marketed in more medically advanced countries, and their usage in the medical field is constantly increasing. Global markets for such medical bonding products are undergoing rapid expansion; therefore, active research and development in the relevant fields is imperative.

Keyword

Tissue adhesives; Bonding strength; Sutures

MeSH Terms

Adhesives*
Bivalvia
Communicable Diseases
Cyanoacrylates
Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
Hand
Hydrogel
Polyethylene Glycols
Polymers
Sutures
Tissue Adhesives
Wounds and Injuries
Adhesives
Cyanoacrylates
Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
Hydrogel
Polyethylene Glycols
Polymers
Tissue Adhesives

Figure

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  Figure 1 Many types of medical glue are being developed and marketed. GRF, gelatin-resorcinol-formalin; PEG, polyethylene glycol polymer.

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  Figure 2 Clotting mechanism of the fibrin glue.

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