n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate polymerization (nBCA polymerization)

n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate is a cyanoacrylate ester that rapidly polymerizes in the presence of moisture or weak bases, producing a solid poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) adhesive used in medical applications for tissue bonding, wound closure, and vascular embolization. This process is characterized by fast initiation and propagation, resulting in strong tissue adhesion. Clinical use involves applying a small volume onto living tissue, where polymerization is triggered by water or anionic species at the surface, forming a durable bond within seconds to minutes. Commercial forms are used in surgical settings due to their low viscosity, rapid solidification, and reliable performance as tissue adhesives. While effective, cyanoacrylates may cause local toxicity, inflammation, and heat generation, requiring careful clinical application.

Other names

cyanoacrylate tissue adhesiven-butyl cyanoacrylatenBCAGlubran 2Histoacryl

Rapid polymerization of n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate monomer on contact with tissue moisture, creating an adhesive polymer barrier for tissue bonding/occlusion