Scientists develop glue to stop life-threatening bleeding

Mostafa Al Zoubi, Staff Reporter

In a revolutionary development scientists and researchers at Western University in Canada have developed a type of adhesive, which sticks to body tissues and prevents life-threatening bleeding.

It is 10 times more effective than the clinical fibrin adhesive commonly used for medical use.

The adhesive uses a blood-clotting enzyme known as “patroxobin,” found in Lanshead snake venom, which contains an average of 124 mg of venom, and can go up to 342 mg.

This enzyme then crosses with modified gelatin to achieve a potentially life-saving adhesive.

"This superglue can be used by injection and a visible light, such as a laser, targets the area to be treated for a few seconds," said Professor Kapreet Mikanent, a professor of engineering at Western University who took part in the study.

Scientists said: “The adhesive can be used to close wounds without suturing. It was tested in conditions such as deep skin wounds, ruptured aorta, and severe liver injury, all of which are considered major bleeding cases.

“It was also tested on a severed rat tail and blood clotted after 34 seconds, and the blood loss rate decreased at a rate of 78%.

“It is worth mentioning that Lanshead are among the most venomous snakes in South America, and are basically found in the northern part of the continent.”