New biodegradable adhesive offers a safer alternative to repairing the knee meniscus

New biodegradable adhesive offers a safer alternative to repairing the knee meniscus

Prof. Jia-Lin Wu's research team from Taipei Medical University, Taiwan, has developed an advanced biodegradable tissue adhesive to repair torn knee menisci. This innovative adhesive provides a safer and more effective alternative to traditional sutures, paving the way for improved recovery and reduced surgical complications for millions of patients.

Natural polymers improve meniscus repair with biodegradable adhesive

Meniscus tears, a common knee injury for athletes and older adults, are often treated with stitches, which can damage healthy tissue and lead to poor healing. The newly developed adhesive, called Chithcl-DDA, is composed of natural polymers (chitosan and dextran) and exhibits high adhesive strength, biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it ideal for meniscus repair. This advance can improve outcomes for athletes, older adults and others exposed to this common injury and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Chithcl-dda: strong, biocompatible and designed for seamless healing

Chithcl-DDA adhesive exhibits strong adhesion and biocompatibility, forming a permanent bond with meniscal tissue even in humid environments while supporting natural healing without harmful side effects. It promotes tissue regeneration by promoting cell migration and collagen formation, which is essential for effective recovery. Designed for controlled degradation, the adhesive provides mechanical support during healing and gradually disappears as tissue regenerates. Laboratory and animal studies demonstrated their effectiveness, showing significant improvements in tissue healing, reduced extrusion and improved regeneration compared to untreated controls.

“Our innovative Chithcl-DDA adhesive not only strongly promotes in demanding wet conditions, but also actively promotes natural tissue regeneration, paving the way for a less invasive and more efficient approach to meniscus repair,” said Prof. Wu.

Rigorous testing behind the success of Chithcl-dda

The research team synthesized the adhesive using chitosan hydrochloride and oxidized dextran, forming a gel-like material that bonds through a chemical reaction. This adhesive sets quickly (2-5 minutes) and ensures they last throughout surgery. It has been rigorously tested for strength, swelling and biocompatibility using advanced techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and rheological analysis. The adhesive has also been successfully tested on pig and rabbit models to confirm real-world applicability.

This new adhesive could reduce reliance on sutures and associated complications, providing a less invasive and more effective solution to meniscus repair. Aside from orthopedics, the technology may inspire further applications in repair and regenerative medicine of tissue repair, impacting various medical fields.

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