Scientists at the University of New South Wales (Kensington, Australia) have developed a laser-activated, chitosan-based, bio-adhesive polymer called SurgiLux. Based on a polymer derived from chitin, which is found in fungal cell walls or in exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, SurgiLux forms low energy bonds between the polymer and the desired tissue when it absorbs light. The technology may soon replace traditional sutures in the clinic.
“Though sutures have a superior strength to SurgiLux, sutures are physically invasive and do not support tissue regeneration,” explains L. John Foster, Ph.D., FSB, from the University of New South Wales. “SurgiLux is a thin film, so you do not end up with any physical invasion or further damage to the tissue, thus allowing more complete healing.” This is beneficial when repairing delicate tissues like neurons or blood vessels.
Tags: antimicrobial, wound, eye, keratoplasty, seal
Source: BioOptics World, 2012-10-30.