Scientists unveil a glue gun method that could change bone repair forever
- Replies 0
For decades, surgeons have relied on metal, donor bone, or pre-manufactured 3D-printed implants to repair severe fractures.
While effective, these solutions come with challenges—especially when bones break irregularly, requiring custom fittings designed before surgery.
That process takes valuable time and preparation, sometimes delaying urgent care. Now, scientists in South Korea have developed a surprising new tool that could change everything: a modified glue gun that 3D-prints bone grafts directly onto the fracture site in real time.
The research team at Sungkyunkwan University has tested the device on rabbits with severe femoral fractures, and the results are promising.
“Our proposed technology offers a distinct approach by developing an in situ printing system that enables a real-time fabrication and application of a scaffold directly at the surgical site,” said study author and biomedical engineer Jung Seung Lee.
“This allows for highly accurate anatomical matching even in irregular or complex defects without the need for preoperative preparation such as imaging, modeling and trimming processes.”
The technology not only saved time but also showed superior bone regeneration compared to standard bone cement.
The glue gun works by heating and applying a filament made from two core materials: hydroxyapatite (HA), a natural bone component that promotes healing, and polycaprolactone (PCL), a biocompatible thermoplastic.
Unlike traditional materials, PCL melts at about 140 degrees Fahrenheit—low enough to avoid tissue damage while still conforming to the jagged grooves of broken bone.
By adjusting the balance between HA and PCL, surgeons can control the hardness and strength of the graft for different types of fractures.
This customization means the implant can provide both flexibility and stability depending on the patient’s needs.
Infection is always a concern after surgery, but the team addressed that risk by incorporating antibiotics into the filament itself.
Also read: Are you at risk? The surprising bone loss link with this popular drug for seniors!
Vancomycin and gentamicin, two commonly used antibacterial agents, were embedded to release slowly over time at the graft site.
Laboratory tests showed that the scaffolds effectively prevented the growth of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two bacteria frequently linked to post-surgical complications.
“This localized delivery approach offers meaningful clinical advantages over systemic antibiotic administration by potentially reducing side effects and limiting the development of antibiotic resistance,” Lee explained.
Animal testing revealed encouraging results within just 12 weeks. Rabbits treated with the glue-gun-printed grafts showed stronger healing, greater bone thickness, and no signs of infection or tissue damage compared to those treated with conventional bone cement.
The grafts are designed to gradually degrade as the body regenerates natural bone, meaning the artificial material eventually disappears while new, healthy bone takes its place.
Also read: One small change could support your liver—and experts say it’s worth it
For patients, this could mean fewer complications and faster, more complete recoveries after severe fractures.
The path to human trials is still ahead, but researchers are optimistic. “Clinical adoption will require standardized manufacturing processes, validated sterilization protocols and preclinical studies in large animal models to meet regulatory approval standards,” Lee said.
If successful, the device could be used directly in operating rooms worldwide, giving surgeons a way to repair broken bones in minutes without pre-manufactured implants.
It represents a rare combination of simplicity and sophistication—taking an everyday tool like a glue gun and transforming it into something with the potential to reshape orthopedic medicine.
Read next: Consider these 4 doctor-approved tips to help maintain strong, healthy bones
Could you imagine a future where surgeons carry a glue gun capable of printing living bone on demand? Share your thoughts in the comments.
While effective, these solutions come with challenges—especially when bones break irregularly, requiring custom fittings designed before surgery.
That process takes valuable time and preparation, sometimes delaying urgent care. Now, scientists in South Korea have developed a surprising new tool that could change everything: a modified glue gun that 3D-prints bone grafts directly onto the fracture site in real time.
The research team at Sungkyunkwan University has tested the device on rabbits with severe femoral fractures, and the results are promising.
“Our proposed technology offers a distinct approach by developing an in situ printing system that enables a real-time fabrication and application of a scaffold directly at the surgical site,” said study author and biomedical engineer Jung Seung Lee.
“This allows for highly accurate anatomical matching even in irregular or complex defects without the need for preoperative preparation such as imaging, modeling and trimming processes.”
The technology not only saved time but also showed superior bone regeneration compared to standard bone cement.
Scientists unveil a glue gun method that could change bone repair forever. Image source: Matt Artz / Unsplash
The glue gun works by heating and applying a filament made from two core materials: hydroxyapatite (HA), a natural bone component that promotes healing, and polycaprolactone (PCL), a biocompatible thermoplastic.
Unlike traditional materials, PCL melts at about 140 degrees Fahrenheit—low enough to avoid tissue damage while still conforming to the jagged grooves of broken bone.
By adjusting the balance between HA and PCL, surgeons can control the hardness and strength of the graft for different types of fractures.
This customization means the implant can provide both flexibility and stability depending on the patient’s needs.
Infection is always a concern after surgery, but the team addressed that risk by incorporating antibiotics into the filament itself.
Also read: Are you at risk? The surprising bone loss link with this popular drug for seniors!
Vancomycin and gentamicin, two commonly used antibacterial agents, were embedded to release slowly over time at the graft site.
Laboratory tests showed that the scaffolds effectively prevented the growth of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two bacteria frequently linked to post-surgical complications.
“This localized delivery approach offers meaningful clinical advantages over systemic antibiotic administration by potentially reducing side effects and limiting the development of antibiotic resistance,” Lee explained.
Animal testing revealed encouraging results within just 12 weeks. Rabbits treated with the glue-gun-printed grafts showed stronger healing, greater bone thickness, and no signs of infection or tissue damage compared to those treated with conventional bone cement.
The grafts are designed to gradually degrade as the body regenerates natural bone, meaning the artificial material eventually disappears while new, healthy bone takes its place.
Also read: One small change could support your liver—and experts say it’s worth it
For patients, this could mean fewer complications and faster, more complete recoveries after severe fractures.
The path to human trials is still ahead, but researchers are optimistic. “Clinical adoption will require standardized manufacturing processes, validated sterilization protocols and preclinical studies in large animal models to meet regulatory approval standards,” Lee said.
If successful, the device could be used directly in operating rooms worldwide, giving surgeons a way to repair broken bones in minutes without pre-manufactured implants.
It represents a rare combination of simplicity and sophistication—taking an everyday tool like a glue gun and transforming it into something with the potential to reshape orthopedic medicine.
Read next: Consider these 4 doctor-approved tips to help maintain strong, healthy bones
