WATCH: Surgical sealant closes wounds in seconds

Image: The University of Sydney official website

Scientists developed an elastic gel which seals wounds within seconds for both external and internal injuries.

Researchers from The University of Sydney partnered with their counterparts in Harvard and North Eastern University in the United States to develop the gel.

According to a statement from The University of Sydney, the gel was labeled “MeTro” which stands for methacryloyl-substituted tropoelastin. Made of protein, the substance allows for natural tissue healing without leaving any marks or residue, unlike staples and stitches. MeTro would also limit the need for surgery when it comes to addressing cuts, punctures and similar injuries.

Using MeTro should be relatively easy. Simply apply the substance to the wound then activate it with light. The substance will then get to work and start the healing process. It would be like applying sealant to a leaky roof.

“The beauty of the MeTro formulation is that, as soon as it comes in contact with tissue surfaces, it solidifies into a gel-like phase without running away,” said assistant professor Nasim Annabi from Northeastern University.

The team’s study was also published on the journal Science Translational Medicine under the title “Engineering a highly elastic human protein–based sealant for surgical applications”.

This technology will be commercialized by a company called Elastagen Pty Ltd. JB

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