By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Chinese researchers have unveiled a revolutionary medical breakthrough: a bone “super glue” that can heal fractures in just minutes—a process that typically takes months.
The adhesive, known as Bone-02, was developed by scientists at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou and has already been successfully tested in more than 150 clinical cases, according to Chinese media reports.
Unlike traditional treatments, which often involve invasive surgeries, metal plates, and lengthy recovery periods, Bone-02 works through a simple injection. “It glues broken bone fragments together in just three minutes,” explained Dr. Lin Xianfeng, an orthopaedic surgeon at Hangzhou’s Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital.
The innovation was inspired by the natural world. Researchers studied oysters, which can attach firmly to wet, salty, and constantly shifting underwater surfaces using a durable bioglue. Mimicking this process, the team engineered Bone-02 to create strong, erosion-resistant bonds inside the human body.
In one trial, a patient with a wrist fracture was treated with a single injection through a three-centimetre incision. The bone healed within minutes, eliminating the need for metal plates and screws that would normally require a second surgery for removal. After a three-month follow-up, the patient’s fracture had fully recovered without complications.
Beyond speed, Bone-02 offers another crucial advantage: it is naturally absorbed by the body. This reduces the risk of infection and spares patients the burden of repeat operations.
Medical experts say the breakthrough could transform orthopaedic care worldwide, drastically shortening recovery times for millions of patients suffering from fractures. While further studies may be needed before large-scale adoption, Bone-02 has already been hailed as a potential game-changer in surgical medicine.
For now, what once took months to heal might soon be fixed in minutes.
