A new biodegradable glue for the digestive tract - the gummy bear degradation study.

BACKGROUND

An ideal adhesive for gastrointestinal use should be flexible, transparent, biodegradable, and resistant to gastric acid and pancreatic enzymes. Traditional gelatin-based gummy bears are flexible, transparent, and biodegradable but dissolve quickly. The novel polyurethane-based adhesive VIVO 120™ mimics these properties but resists digestive fluids, making it a promising candidate for gastric and pancreatic applications.

METHODS

The polyurethane-based adhesive VIVO 120™ was evaluated over 21 days under various conditions (water, acetic acid, pancreatic enzyme solution) at room temperature. Gelatin, fat and fibrin glue served as controls. The adhesive's behavior was monitored using computed tomography (CT) to track physical changes, and macroscopic evaluations were performed at the conclusion of the study to assess any alterations in structure and weight. Additionally, the handling of VIVO 120™ for sealing pancreatic anastomoses was tested in porcine cadavers.

RESULTS

Over the 21-day period, the VIVO 120™ samples exhibited significant swelling, with a length increase of 32% in pancreatic enzyme solutions and 51-58% in water and acetic acid. Weight gain reached 179% in water, 226% in acetic acid, and 135% in pancreatic enzymes. Despite these changes, the adhesive maintained its structural integrity. CT imaging showed that the majority of swelling occurred within the first 24 h. No leaching of components into the surrounding fluids was detected. In porcine cadavers, the adhesive demonstrated good handling properties and remained transparent after curing, allowing visual inspection of the anastomosis. Burst pressure tests demonstrated sealing effectiveness up to 40 mmHg. Minor intraluminal detachment was observed under pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

VIVO 120™ demonstrates strong resistance to acidic and enzymatic degradation while offering flexibility, transparency, and good usability. This suggests its potential as a tissue adhesive in gastric and pancreatic surgery. However, its tendency for swelling must be considered, particularly in applications involving confined spaces.