New medical adhesive: glue, don’t stitch
October 20 2026 – Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a medical adhesive that bonds to wet body tissues within seconds. The technology could make joining tissues during surgery easier and potentially reduce the need for stitches and staples.
During surgical procedures, surgeons must carefully join pieces of tissue. This is usually done using stitches or staples. These techniques can damage tissues and sometimes cause leaks, scarring or infections.
MIT-spin-off SanaHeal has developed a biocompatible adhesive as an alternative. Its design was inspired by natural adhesive materials, including those produced by barnacles and spiders.
The technology uses hydrogels, materials made from polymers and water. By absorbing moisture from tissue surfaces, the adhesive can bond rapidly. It forms a seal that prevents air and fluids from passing through.
The technology has already received regulatory approval for controlling bleeding following traumatic injuries. In 2027, SanaHeal plans to begin human clinical trials to investigate its use during surgery and in repairing damaged tissues.
The developers believe the adhesive could make surgical procedures less invasive. The technology may also be suitable for use with surgical robots.
Further clinical research is needed to determine whether the adhesive can eventually replace conventional stitches in a wider range of operations.
