Severe trauma to the bone often results in comminuted fractures, where the bone is shattered in several places. Currently, cyanoacrylate-based adhesives are the standard of care for setting these fragments in place, however these adhesives fail to facilitate new bone growth and their long-term durability under physical strain is problematic. Further, cyanoacrylate adhesives cure within seconds, impeding surgeons’ ability to adjust and perfect the placement of bone fragments. To address this issue, an adhesive that can replace cyanoacrylates is crucial. Aminated polyolefins (APEs) hold promise as a biocompatible alternative to cyanoacrylates (<i>attached figure</i>). APEs, synthesized via controlled catalytic means, are pliable, self-healing polymers with exceptional adhesive capabilities. These polymers can also support additives such as bioactive-glass (BG) nanoparticles, which deliver bone-promoting agents <i>in vivo</i> and provide a framework for new bone growth. We functionalized APEs with BG and prepared them as a potential replacement for cyanoacrylate-based adhesives. Additionally, we determined APE adhesion properties to implantable titanium and bone at body temperature along with the effects of BG addition on adhesion. Similarly, we used a bovine-cell model to determine the cell viability and cell morphology on both pure APE and BG-modified polymers. The polymer was found to have excellent adhesion to both bone and implantable titanium. Cell viability was controlled within the synthetic route and through addition of BG. Our results show APE holds promise as a biocompatible alternative to cyanoacrylates.

Functionalized aminated polyolefins as biocompatible adhesive

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