JAKARTA - A group of scientists, from Western University in Canada, have created a type of adhesive 'super glue' that attaches to body tissues that can be used to prevent deadly bleeding. This adhesive uses a blood-clotting enzyme known as reptilase or batroxobin, which is found in the venom of the “lancehead” snake.
The enzyme is then interwoven with a modified gelatin that can be inserted into a potentially life-saving tiny tube.
"During trauma, injury and emergency bleeding, this 'superglue' can be applied simply by squeezing a tube and shining a light, like a laser pointer, over it for a few seconds," said Western University professor of engineering and study associate Kibret Mequanint in a statement. “Even a smartphone flashlight can be used for that.”
The Lancehead is the most venomous snake in South America. As adults, these snakes can reach a length of between 30 and 50 inches and they are known to forage in coffee and banana plantations, and can even attack workers suddenly. Their venom yield averages 124 milligrams, although some can produce as much as 342 milligrams.
This new glue, which has 10 times the adhesive strength of clinical fibrin glue, is considered the 'industry gold standard' for surgeons in the clinic and in the field.
The researchers also found that the blood clotting time of their superglue was significantly shorter than that of fibrin glue. Their super glue claims that it only takes 45 seconds compared to 90 seconds for fibrin glue.
Without hemostatic adhesives (HAD), blood clots occur after an average of five to six minutes. That would result in less blood being lost, and ultimately more lives being saved.
In addition, this 'super glue' can be used to close wounds without stitches. It was tested in situations such as deep skin wounds, ruptured and severely injured aorta, all of which were considered 'major bleeding situations.'
In fact, the glue can also be used in a variety of situations, including on the battlefield or with a car accident.
"We envision that this tissue 'superglue' will be used to save lives on the battlefield, or other accidental traumas such as car accidents," says Mequanint. "The applicator is also easy because you just have to put it in the first aid kit."
This superglue has also been tested on the tails of cut rats, which appeared to clot again after 34 seconds and a 78 percent reduction in blood loss.
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