A Chitosan Based, Laser Activated Thin Film Surgical Adhesive, 'SurgiLux': Preparation and Demonstration

The overall goal of this procedure is to demonstrate a novel laser activated surgical adhesive called Sux. This is accomplished by first preparing the Sergi adhesive solution. Next, the Sux adhesive film is fabricated.

Then laser irradiation is used to bind the Sux thin film adhesive to tissue. Finally, the adhesive bond is tested. Ultimately, results can be obtained that show Sul lock's thin film adhesive bind strongly to tissue after laser irradiation.

The main advantage of this technique over existing methods like fibrin and cyanoacrylate surgical glues, is that the Sux adhesive is a thin film that provides ease of operation, no curing time and uniform bonding to tissue. Demonstrating this procedure will be Elizabeth Caston, a PhD student in the Biopolymer Research Group. To prepare the UX solution in a laminar flow hood, begin by making a 2%solution of acetic acid and deionized water in a sterile einor tube.

Weigh the chromophore in cyan in green, or ICG, wrap the tube in foil to prevent any light penetration. Using a clean disposable pipette transfer approximately one milliliter of the dilute acetic acid solution to the tube and shake gently to dissolve the dye. Transfer the solubilized ICG into the beaker and add 2%chitosan powder.

Before adding a sterile magnetic stir, cover the beaker with paraform and wrap it in foil. Then in a laminar flow hood place the contents on a stir plate at about 125 RPM for 72 hours at room temperature. After the incubation, transfer the contents into clean tubes and centrifuge at 15, 000 G for 15 minutes at four degrees Celsius.

To remove any particulate matter, carefully transfer the green UX solution into a clean glass beaker. Cover it with paraform, then wrap the beaker in foil. Store the solution in the fridge for 12 hours to increase the viscosity using a sterile syringe.

Dispense eight milliliters of the cold sux solution into a clean 95 millimeter diameter Petri dish, and gently tilt the plate to ensure complete coverage by the solution. Use the tip of a sterile needle to remove any visible bubbles in the solution. Then cover the edition foil and place it in the fridge for 20 minutes.

To remove any residual micron sized bubbles, carefully move the Petri dish to the laminar flow hood and leave the solution to evaporate for three weeks. After complete evaporation, score the outer edges of the clear green Sux films and gently peel the film away from the dish surface.Store. The circular UX films in the Petri dish wrapped in foil under dry conditions until ready for use.

The laser activation process is demonstrated here with a piece of bovine tissue, such as a stake that is first cut to measure 15 millimeters wide by 20 millimeters long. Use a number 10 surgical blade to cut the tissue in half to produce two pieces, 15 by 10 millimeters each approximate the two pieces of tissue so that their edges are touching but not overlapping. And using a cotton swab or gauze, gently absorb any excess fluid.

Next, cut a seven by nine millimeter piece of UX film and carefully place it lengthwise across the bisected piece of tissue with a dry cotton swab pressed down gently. Then while wearing the appropriate safety gear for class three B lasers, including safety glasses. Use an infrared diode laser set at 120 milliwatts and beginning in the corner, pass the beam over the ulx Film at a rate of approximately one millimeter per second.

Repeat the irradiation process two more times after the irradiation test the strength of the repair by carefully securing the ends of the tissue in the clamps of a tensile testing instrument. Finally, take up the slack and then separate the tissue pieces at a rate of one millimeter per second until the two pieces of tissue held together by the sux strip separate completely upon irradiation with the laser. The sux film bonds to the tissue, which can be observed at the edges of the film where the tissue appears contracted from the laser beam passing over the film.

Notice that no charring or ablation of the tissue is observed. The bonding strength of sux to the tissue is more than sufficient to lift the bisected pieces of tissue and should measure about 15 kilo pascals After its development. The sux technique paved the way for researchers in the field of surgery to explore SULs wound closure and ceiling in a variety of clinical scenarios.