Cyanoacrylate polymerization for tissue bonding

Cyanoacrylates are a class of acrylic adhesives that rapidly polymerize upon contact with water or tissue moisture due to the nucleophilic attack on their highly reactive double bonds[1][2][5]. In medical applications, this property is utilized for tissue bonding, wound closure, and hemostasis by forming a strong, flexible film at tissue interfaces[3][5]. While not a biological target, the medical utility is based on the rapid, exothermic polymerization that joins tissues together. Different cyanoacrylate esters confer varying mechanical strength and tissue compatibility; *n*-butyl and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate are common for clinical use because they are less toxic and degrade more slowly compared to short-chain analogs[3][5].

Other names

Tissue adhesive polymerizationSuperglue tissue bondingMedical cyanoacrylate bonding

Rapid anionic or zwitterionic polymerization upon exposure to tissue moisture and hydroxide ions forms strong bonds/film across tissue surfaces[1][2][3][5]