Glue from sea worms may help surgeons mend bones

Published on Monday 17 August 2009 22:57

A GLUE derived from an industrious marine worm could help surgeons repair shattered bones.

Scientists hope the new bonding material will one day replace the metal wires, pins and screws used to hold bone fragments in place.

To create it, researchers copied a natural glue secreted by the sandcastle worm, which cements together sand grains and sea shell fragments to build a protective home.

The biodegradable adhesive is both super-strong and unaffected by water. Like the worm's glue on which it is based, it sets in response to changes in acidity.

At present nails, wires, pins and metal screws are used to support broken bones until they can bear weight.

Glue would have the advantage of avoiding metal hardware in the body and make it easier to fasten small bone fragments.

The inch-long sandcastle worm, Phragmatopoma californica, overcame several engineering challenges to evolve its underwater adhesive. Scientists focused on the glue's ability to bond to wet objects.

Research leader Dr Russell Stewart, of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, in the United States, explained its unique properties:

"Just like the worm's glue, this a fluid material that although it doesn't mix with water, is water soluble."

The team, whose findings were presented last night at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting in Washington DC, has launched pilot studies looking at ways of delivering bioactive molecules within the glue. These could include antibiotics, pain relievers or compounds that accelerate healing.

"We are very optimistic about this glue," Dr Stewart said. "Any time you put something synthetic into the body, there's a chance the body will respond to it and damage the surrounding tissue. We've seen no indication that it will be a problem."