Inspired by the robust adhesion of mussels in aquatic conditions, the team from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-Sen University has recently developed an injectable photocurable bioadhesive hydrogel (referred to as F20HD5) for sutureless closure of corneal full-thickness wounds.
The results were published in Small Methods under the title of Photocurable and Temperature-sensitive Bioadhesive Hydrogels for Sutureless Sealing of Full-Thickness Corneal Wounds.
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Professor Yuan Jin, head of that team, said that F20HD5 can help with quick and effective closure of penetrating corneal wounds, restoring corneal shape and promoting wound healing, which provides a new treatment strategy for ocular surface wounds and tissue fixation of other surgical operations.
"This research provides a new option for bioadhesives used in corneal surgery, and provides a new method and basis for the application of underwater bioadhesive hydrogels in the medical field," said Yuan.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
F20HD5 allows in situ cross-linking via visible light, so the risk of tissue damage caused by traditional UV cross-linking curing can be avoided. Moreover, the material will gradually degrade after surgery, and there is no need for secondary surgery, thus having good biosafety.
Author | Hannah
Editor | Nan, Abby, James
