Amphibian adhesive may have wound appliations

Scientists at the University of Adelaide and CSIRO Molecular Science are investigating a novel 'glue' from frogs, which could have applications as a bioadhesive for surgical wounds.

The bioadhesive was discovered by frog expert Dr Michael Tyler at the University of Adelaide in a sticky exudate from frogs of the genus Notaden.

The frog glue appears to be biocompatible, non-toxic and more porous than existing bioadhesives. It is about five times stronger than fibrin glue and works in a moist environment - an advantage for internal applications.

"We believe it will be an alternative, better adhesive than those currently available," said CSIRO scientist Dr John Ramshaw, who is one of the scientists involved in the project.

Potential applications for the glue include repairing damaged soft tissues. Ramshaw believes that the adhesive could be useful for repairing damaged meniscal cartilage as well as tendons and bone.

The next step in the project is to determine exactly what is in the frog glue.

According to Ramshaw the adhesive is protein-based, and he and his team are in the process of unravelling its composition, which they hope to complete by the end of the year.

The collaborators are also working on cloning the protein components of the glue, which would allow them to replicate it in the laboratory.

"We're looking at developing alternative means to produce the glue without relying on the frog," explained Dr Russell Tait, who is the commercial manager for the project at CSIRO.

Tait said that patent applications have recently been filed for the novel adhesive and the team is looking to secure private sector support in the next six months.