Chinese Scientists Unveil Breakthrough ‘Bone Glue’ That Heals Fractures in Minutes
A team of Chinese researchers has developed a revolutionary medical adhesive, described as “bone glue,” that can heal fractures within minutes and potentially transform orthopaedic surgery worldwide.
The adhesive, known as Bone-02, was created by a research group led by Dr. Lin Xianfeng, associate chief orthopaedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Zhejiang Province. Inspired by the natural sticking power of oysters, the glue can form a strong bond in wet, blood-rich environments where conventional medical adhesives often fail.
According to the scientists, Bone-02 can repair broken bones in just two to three minutes, offering an alternative to the metal plates, screws, and large surgical incisions that are standard in fracture treatment. Once healing is complete, the glue is naturally absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for a second procedure to remove hardware.
“This material combines strength, speed, and biocompatibility in a way we have not seen before in bone repair,” Dr. Lin explained in an interview with local media.
The breakthrough has already moved beyond the laboratory. More than 150 patients in China have been treated with Bone-02 in clinical settings. In one case, a patient with a wrist fracture avoided invasive surgery after doctors used a small 3-centimetre incision to apply the glue, which bonded the fracture within minutes.
The patient recovered without complications and regained normal function.
Laboratory tests show that Bone-02 has high compressive strength and bonding power, allowing it to withstand daily movement and load. Researchers say it may reduce the risk of infection associated with metal implants and speed up recovery times.
If widely adopted, the technology could be a game-changer for trauma care, battlefield medicine, and emergency response, as well as routine fracture treatment. It may also prove valuable in areas with limited surgical resources, where access to advanced implants is scarce.
However, experts caution that more data is needed. While early trials are promising, questions remain about the glue’s long-term performance in complex fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones such as the femur. Regulatory approvals and further peer-reviewed studies will also be required before Bone-02 can enter mainstream use globally.
Despite these hurdles, the development highlights China’s growing role in cutting-edge biomedical research. If successful, Bone-02 could reduce surgical trauma for millions of patients worldwide and redefine the future of fracture care.
