Bioadhesive

Bioadhesive is a type of adhesive that is especially useful in the field of medicine and pharmacy due to its ability to adhere to biological tissues. Bioadhesives can be either natural or synthetic in origin, and they have a wide range of applications, from drug delivery systems to wound healing.

Definition

A Bioadhesive is defined as a material that can adhere to biological tissue for an extended period of time. This adhesion is typically achieved through intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and ionic bonding. The strength and duration of the adhesion can be influenced by factors such as the properties of the bioadhesive material, the condition of the tissue, and the presence of fluids.

Types of Bioadhesives

Bioadhesives can be broadly classified into two categories: natural and synthetic.

Natural Bioadhesives

Natural bioadhesives are derived from biological sources. Examples include fibrin glue, which is made from fibrinogen and thrombin, and chitosan, a polysaccharide derived from the shells of crustaceans.

Synthetic Bioadhesives

Synthetic bioadhesives are man-made and are often designed to mimic the properties of natural bioadhesives. Examples include cyanoacrylate, a type of superglue that can bond to biological tissue, and polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can be modified to adhere to specific types of cells.

Applications

Bioadhesives have a wide range of applications in the fields of medicine and pharmacy.

Drug Delivery

In drug delivery, bioadhesives can be used to ensure that a drug stays in contact with the tissue for a longer period of time, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the drug. This is particularly useful in the case of transdermal patches and ocular drug delivery systems.

Wound Healing

Bioadhesives can also be used in wound healing. They can be used to close wounds, reducing the need for stitches and potentially reducing scarring. They can also be used to deliver drugs directly to the wound site, promoting faster healing.

See Also

• Adhesive
• Biocompatible material
• Drug delivery
• Wound healing