Biomedical Adhesives and Wound Healing Technologies

Biomedical adhesives and wound healing technologies have emerged as pivotal tools in modern medicine, offering alternatives to traditional sutures and staples. These materials span natural polymers such as fibrin, gelatin and chitosan through to synthetic polymers including cyanoacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol and polylactic acid. Key performance criteria encompass biocompatibility, adhesive strength under wet conditions, controlled degradation, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and minimal cytotoxicity. The field has advanced from basic sealants to sophisticated hydrogels, nanosheets and electrospun fibre mats, often inspired by mussel adhesion or incorporating nanoparticles for enhanced function. Developments in stimuli-responsive adhesives enable on-demand bonding or de-bonding, while integrated sensors promise real-time monitoring of the wound microenvironment. These innovations address the global challenge of chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers and extensive burns, reducing healing time, scarring and infection risk. Interdisciplinary research combines polymer chemistry, bioengineering and nanotechnology to tailor mechanical properties, adhesion kinetics and bioactive release, forging materials that actively participate in the healing cascade. As translation accelerates, these adhesives are reshaping surgical procedures, emergency care and chronic wound management, underscoring their vital role in improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of lung surfactant as a topical wound-healing agent. Experimental models showed that phospholipid–protein surfactant films enhance keratinocyte migration in a concentration-dependent manner and attenuate pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic gene expression in murine wounds. A first-in-human phase I trial confirmed that topical application is safe, well tolerated and accelerates re-epithelialisation of suction blister wounds without adverse effects. These findings position surfactant formulations as candidates for chronic ulcers and burn therapies, offering a novel mechanism to modulate inflammation and support tissue repair.

Biomedical Adhesives and Wound Healing Technologies publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biomedical adhesives and wound healing technologies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Hydrogel: A network of hydrophilic polymer chains capable of absorbing substantial water, used as a moist wound dressing.

Fibrin glue: A biologically derived sealant composed of fibrinogen and thrombin that mimics the final steps of coagulation to adhere tissues.

Keratinocyte: The predominant cell type in the epidermis responsible for re-epithelialisation during skin repair.

Polylactic acid (PLLA): A biodegradable synthetic polyester widely used in nanosheets and scaffolds for controlled degradation in biomedical applications.

Layered double hydroxide (LDH): An inorganic layered nanoparticle that can reinforce hydrogels and act as a delivery vehicle for bioactive ions or molecules.

References

1. Lung Surfactant Accelerates Skin Wound Healing: A Translational Study with a Randomized Clinical Phase I Study. Scientific Reports (2020).
2. Gelatin-Based Hydrogel Functionalized with Dopamine and Layered Double Hydroxide for Wound Healing. Gels (2024).
3. Biodegradable Polymer Nanosheets Incorporated with Zn-Containing Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications. Materials (2022).
4. Enhanced skin adhesive property of electrospun α-cyclodextrin/nonanyl group-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) inclusion complex fiber sheet. RSC Advances (2021).