Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Apr 5: Scientists have developed a novel injectable bioadhesive that could enable sutureless repair of large gastric perforations, marking a significant advance in gastrointestinal treatment.

The newly developed OSSA hydrogel, made from FDA-approved components, demonstrated strong adhesion and durability even in harsh gastric conditions. Researchers said the material, formed using Octa-PEG-NH2 and Octa-PEG-SSA, offers a potential alternative to conventional surgical methods.

In laboratory tests, the hydrogel successfully sealed perforations of varying sizes. It effectively closed a 4 mm opening on a porcine colon, withstanding pressure levels higher than existing sealants such as Coseal, Fibrin glue and Histoacryl.

For larger perforations, including 10 mm and 20 mm incisions on porcine stomach models, the adhesive showed rapid gelation, strong bonding, and complete resistance to leakage, even under significant stress. The material remained stable for over 72 hours in extreme conditions and retained adhesion in simulated human gastric fluids for more than two weeks.

When compared with traditional surgical sutures, the OSSA hydrogel proved faster to apply and equally effective in preventing leakage, while also reducing post-operative tissue adhesions.

Researchers highlighted that the hydrogel performs well in dynamic gastric environments, offering strong mechanical and chemical stability. Though still in early stages of development, the innovation is seen as a promising minimally invasive solution for treating gastric perforations and other digestive injuries.