A foam-based pressure bandage helps treat serious wounds.
When bones break badly, medical practitioners often use metal plates or 3D-printed implants. Now, a research team in South Korea has developed an easy-to-use glue stick instead.
The stick is made from biodegradable plastic, which melts at low temperatures, a phosphate mineral occurring naturally in bones and antibiotics. Using a modified glue gun, the material is liquified at 55°C and applied directly to the fracture.
It quickly cools to body temperature and sets. The mineral component stimulates the growth of new bone cells; while the synthetic material slowly breaks down as the bone regrows.
Likewise aiming to trigger bone regeneration: hydrogel containing mussel protein. The latter also helps heal internal wounds.
