Characterization of a Novel POx-Based Adhesive Powder for Obliterating Dead Spaces After Surgery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Surgical dead spaces pose infection risks and healing complications.
• Current tissue adhesives have limitations hindering their use for dead space obliteration.
• N-Hydroxysuccinimide-poly(2-oxazoline) (NHS-POx) is a promising biocompatible and biodegradable adhesive candidate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the swelling, crosslinking, and degradation properties of a novel NHS-POx tissue adhesive powder.
• To optimize adhesive variants by modifying pH, surfactant addition, and particle size.
• To assess the performance of modified adhesive prototypes in terms of wetting, adhesive strength, and durability.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of NHS-POx powder properties: swelling, crosslinking speed, and degradation.
• Formulation of adhesive variants with controlled pH, surfactant (Pluronic F68), and particle size.
• Evaluation of wetting rates, tensile strength, shear strength, and durability of adhesive prototypes.
• Comparative analysis against commercially available fibrin glue.

Main Results:

• The NHS-POx powder exhibited minimal swelling and rapid crosslinking, tunable by buffer or surfactant addition.
• Wetting rate improved with surfactant addition; adhesive strength surpassed commercial fibrin glue.
• Prototypes with buffer and surfactant showed degradation after 14 days, while the unmodified prototype retained adhesive force.

Conclusions:

• The NHS-POx-based tissue adhesive demonstrates favorable characteristics for tissue approximation and dead space prevention.
• Optimized adhesive variants show potential for enhanced performance in surgical applications.
• Further ex vivo and in vivo studies are needed to identify the most effective adhesive prototype.