China’s oyster-inspired ‘bone glue’ bonds fractures, can replace metal in surgery

New bio-glue mimics oysters, fixing shattered bones in 3 minutes without major surgery.

[Sep 13, 2025 | Christopher McFadden | interestingengineering.com]

https://interestingengineering.com/science/chinas-oyster-inspired-bone-glue | https://web.archive.org/web/20250919225348/https://interestingengineering.com/science/chinas-oyster-inspired-bone-glue

A team of Chinese researchers has successfully created a new kind of medical adhesive called “Bone-02.” Inspired by oysters, the new glue is designed to repair broken bones quickly without the need for metal plates, screws, or big surgeries.

The new glue can be injected directly into a fracture site to help speed up bone repair. It bonds bone fragments together in 2–3 minutes, even in blood-rich areas where most adhesives fail.

According to the researchers, it mimics how oysters stick to underwater surfaces, which inspired the idea (since bones, like oysters’ environments, are moist and difficult for adhesives).

According to the research team leader, Lin Xianfeng, an associate chief orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with the renowned Zhejiang University, the adhesive can achieve precise fixation within two to three minutes, even in a blood-rich environment.

Fancy new bone glue

Oysters inspired the researchers because of their remarkable ability to attach to rocks, bridge pilings, or even each other in the harsh underwater environment. They do this by secreting a special protein-rich adhesive known as bio-cement.

Unlike ordinary glues, this substance works in wet, salty, and constantly moving conditions, forming a tough bond that resists both pressure and erosion. Scientists studying this natural process discovered that the oyster adhesive creates a strong chemical interaction with surfaces and hardens quickly.

By mimicking this mechanism, the Chinese team designed “Bone-02” to set firmly inside the body’s moist, blood-rich environment.

The new glue has impressive properties, including its ability to withstand significant forces before failing. When tested, the glue was found to have a bonding strength of over 400 pounds (over 181 kg).

It also showed a shear strength of 0.5 megapascals (MPa), indicating an impressive resistance to sliding apart. The glue also has 10 MPa og compressive strength, making it resistant to crushing.

The glue is also biodegradable, meaning the body absorbs it as the bone heals, so no second surgery is needed to remove implants. Early tests suggest it’s safe and effective, lowering infection risks compared to metal hardware.

Inspired by oysters

This discovery is important as it could open the door for faster surgeries in the future. Procedures can now take only minutes instead of hours.

The glue can also lead to less invasive surgery, as, under some circumstances, smaller incisions could be required. It could also eliminate the need for permanent implants in some cases.

However, one of the most important benefits would clearly be improved healing of things like broken bones. Its strong fixation reduces complications from poorly aligned bone fragments.

The glue can also lower costs and risks to patients, resulting in fewer infections and no need for a second operation.

If clinical trials continue to confirm these results, this could be a major shift in orthopedic surgery, especially for complex fractures (like shattered bones from accidents). Instead of being “rebuilt” with plates and screws, bones could essentially be “glued” back together and left to heal naturally.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christopher McFadden Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris’s main interests range from Science and Engineering, Military and Ancient History to Politics and Philosophy.