Sandcastle Worm Inspires Fetal Surgery Glue

Aug-20-14 The unique glue made by the sandcastle worm has inspired an adhesive that could be used during fetal surgeries.

Operating on a fetus or performing endoscope checks can sometimes cause a fetal membrane rupture—which in turn can lead to a premature birth. To help heal these ruptures, the team from the University of Utah created the glue, which is able to function in the fluid-filled world of the fetus.

The glue is made of synthetic, charged polymers that can come together to form a "water-immiscible fluid" that will remain separate from water while it is in the body. This ability allows the glue to repair punctures where other adhesives fail. The polymers made to create the glue are inexpensive, and the team believes they could also have non-medical applications in underwater glues and paints.

More Info about this Invention:

[MEDGADGET.COM]
[ACS.ORG]

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