Scientists have found a super-adhesive that can attach to human body tissue to stop bleeding during an injury.
A team of scientists, including from Western University in Canada, has created a super-adhesive that works to stop life-threatening bleeding.
The binder uses a clotting enzyme called reptilase or batroxobin, which is found in the venom of tongue-tip snakes.
That enzyme is combined with modified gelatin that has the effect of saving lives when injured or bleeding.
Tongue snakes, one of the most venomous snakes in South America, are native to the northern part of the continent.
In adulthood, they can reach 30 to 50 inches in length, and they are known to forage in coffee and banana plantations, attacking without warning.
Each bite, this snake contains an average venom of 124 milligrams and can go up to 342 milligrams when needed.
The new glue has 10 times the adhesive strength of fibrin glue (glue used to seal wounds), considered the “gold standard” for surgeons in the clinic and in the field.
The researchers also found that the clotting time was significantly shorter with fibrin glue, about 45 seconds compared to 90 seconds for fibrin.
Without a hemostatic binder (HAD), clotting occurs after an average of five to six minutes. That will lead to significantly less blood loss and ultimately more lives saved.
Alternatively, “super glue” can be used to close the wound without stitches, the statement added.
However, it can also be used in a variety of situations, including on the battlefield or in car crashes.
“We think this ‘super glue’ will be used to save lives on the battlefield, or other accidental injuries like car accidents,” Mr. Mequanint explained.
