A venom-inspired hemostatic bioadhesive

Biomaterials Bioadhesives can reduce surgery times and complications but their efficacy is reduced in the presence of significant bleeding. Guo et al. describe a blood-resistant hemostatic surgical bioadhesive that efficiently clots blood and seals severely injured tissues and organs. The gelatin-based bioadhesive incorporates reptilase, a pro-coagulant enzyme derived from snake venom, and can be activated on demand where it is needed using visible light. Their results suggest that photocurable reptilase-containing hemostatic bioadhesives may be effective for treating noncompressible bleeding tissues. Sci. Adv. 10.1126/abf9635 (2021).