MeTro Glue Is Injected Directly Into Wounds And Seals In 60 Seconds

In hospitals all around the world, wounds are sealed every day with surgical adhesives rather than stitches. A new type of surgical adhesive is being developed by researchers that could be used in emergency situations and in surgeries that is squirted directly into the wound called MeTro.

MeTro was developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, Harvard Medical School, and Northeastern University. One of the key attributes of MeTro is the elasticity of the material that makes it ideal for treating wounds that will expand and contract due to their location.

That elastic nature of MeTro will allow the would to expand and contract without breaking open as might happen with other surgical adhesives. The special glue could be used to treat external and internal issues including use on the skin, heart, lungs, and arteries. MeTro has been tested on rodents and pigs so far and in those tests have been used in the arteries and lungs without needing sutures or staples.

The injectable glue uses natural elastic proteins that were inspired by a protein in humans called tropoelastin and then mixed with a light-sensitive sealant. A stream of UV light can set the material in about a minute and it can last hours or months depending on the nature of the injury.

MeTro is able to fill gaps in the wound and conform to the shape of the wound no matter how irregular. The researchers involved in the product mean to test it on humans in their next step to ensure it is safe.

SOURCE: Gizmodo