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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

TAPE: A Biodegradable Hemostatic Glue Inspired by a Ubiquitous Compound in Plants for Surgical Application
Published on: June 8, 2016
Novel synthetic adhesive as an effective alternative to Fibrin based adhesives
Pramod Kadaba Srinivasan1, Vera Sperber1, Mamdouh Afify1
1Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
Aim:
To compare a novel, fully synthetic, polyurethane based glue (MAR-1) to fibrin sealant in a partial liver resection rat model.
Methods:
After 50% resection of the lateral left liver lobe in male Wistar rats (n = 7/group/time point), MAR-1, Fibrin or NaCl was applied. After 14, 21 and 90 postoperative days, sealant degradation, intra-abdominal adhesions were scored, and histological examination of liver tissue was performed.
Results:
(Mean ± SEM) (MAR-1 vs Fibrin vs NaCl). Bleeding mass was significantly higher in NaCl (3.36 ± 0.51 g) compared to MAR-1 (1.44 ± 0.40 g) and Fibrin (1.16 ± 0.32 g). At 14 and 90 d, bleeding time was significantly lower in MAR-1 (6.00 ± 0.9 s; 13.57 ± 3.22 s) and Fibrin (3.00 ± 0.44 s; 22.2 ± 9.75 s) compared to NaCl (158.16 ± 11.36 s; 127.5 ± 23.3 s). ALT levels were significantly higher in MAR-1 (27.66 ± 1 U/L) compared to Fibrin (24.16 ± 0.98 U/L) and NaCl (23.85 ± 0.80 U/L). Intrabdominal adhesions were significantly lower in MAR-1 (11.22% ± 5.5%) compared to NaCl (58.57% ± 11.83%). Degradation of the glue was observed and MAR-1 showed almost no traces of glue in the abdominal cavity as compared to the Fibrin (10% ± 5% 14 d; 7% ± 3% 21 d). Survival showed no significant differences between the groups.
Conclusion:
Compared to Fibrin, MAR-1 showed similar hemostatic properties, no adverse effects, and is biocompatible. Further studies on adhesion strength and biodegradability of synthetic sealants are warranted.

