Applications of Oyster-Inspired Biomimetic Bone Adhesive in Orthopedic Surgery

Review Article

Abstract

Fracture management has traditionally relied on rigid metallic fixation systems, such as plates and screws, which often necessitate invasive surgical procedures and subsequent operations for hardware removal. Recent advancements in Chinese biomedical engineering have introduced a novel bio-adhesive, designated as Bone-02, which addresses these limitations through biomimetic principles. Developed by researchers at Zhejiang University and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, this material mimics the adhesive proteins found in oysters, demonstrating the unique capability to bond bone fragments rapidly within physiological, fluid-rich environments. The synthesis involves complex polymer cross-linking that achieves significant bonding strength and mechanical stability comparable to conventional hardware, with setting times ranging between two to three minutes. Clinical applications involving over 150 patients indicate that this adhesive facilitates minimally invasive repair of comminuted fractures with reduced operative time and the elimination of hardware removal requirements. The material is engineered to be bioabsorbable, degrading synchronously with natural bone regeneration, thereby mitigating long-term foreign body reactions and infection risks. While early clinical translation is promising, the transition from controlled trials to widespread adoption requires extensive longitudinal studies regarding load-bearing efficacy in major skeletal structures. This article presents an analysis of the chemical engineering, mechanical properties, and clinical translation of this specific bone glue, situating it within the broader context of orthopedic innovation and the shift toward bio-integrative surgical solutions