At the University of Zhejiang, a team of Chinese scientists has developed a breakthrough that could redefine the future of bone repair. Their creation, Bone 02, is a bioadhesive gel capable of bonding fractured bones in just a few minutes — eliminating, in many cases, the need for invasive surgeries, screws, or metal plates.
Inspired by nature, researchers studied how oysters firmly attach themselves to wet surfaces underwater. Using that natural mechanism as a model, they designed an adhesive that works effectively within the human body’s moist environment. The result is a biodegradable gel that can fuse bone fragments even in the presence of blood, explained Dr. Lin Xianfeng, orthopedic surgeon and lead researcher at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital.
A Leap Forward in Orthopedic Medicine
Clinical trials involving more than 150 patients have shown outstanding results. Bone 02 stabilizes fractures in about three minutes, forming a strong bond while reducing the risks typically associated with metal implants—such as infection or the need for a second surgery to remove them.
As the bone heals, the adhesive naturally degrades, minimizing postoperative pain and accelerating recovery time.
According to specialists at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, this new biomaterial could drastically reduce—or even replace—the use of metallic hardware in bone surgeries, marking a new era in orthopedic treatment.
One notable case involved Mr. Wang, a patient with a complex distal radius fracture. Traditionally, he would have required a large incision and metal implants. Instead, doctors applied Bone 02 through a small, 3-centimeter incision. Within three minutes, the bone fragments were secured, and after three months, the patient had completely recovered with no complications.
A Decade of Research and Natural Inspiration
The development of Bone 02 is the result of nearly ten years of research. It all began in 2016, when Dr. Lin observed that even skilled surgeons often struggled to align and secure small bone fragments. During a visit to his hometown of Wenzhou, he noticed oysters clinging tightly to bridge pillars in the sea — an observation that sparked the idea of creating a medical adhesive that could function in similarly wet environments.
After over 50 formulations and hundreds of trials, the team succeeded in producing an adhesive with a bonding strength exceeding 200 kilograms, while being fully biocompatible and biodegradable. Bone 02 creates a secure fixation in just two to three minutes, and within six months, it is naturally absorbed by the body as the bone regenerates.
Looking Ahead: A Tool for Emergency and Everyday Medicine
Dr. Fan Shunwu, director of the hospital’s orthopedic department, confirmed that Bone 02 has met all clinical standards and is suitable for fractures of virtually any size or location. It could even be used in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or armed conflicts.
Developed entirely from locally sourced materials — primarily calcium and phosphorus — Bone 02 is expected to remain affordable and widely accessible.
With its efficiency, safety, and inspiration drawn from nature, Bone 02 stands as one of the most promising innovations in regenerative medicine. If further international validation confirms these results, this “bone glue” could mark the beginning of a new era in fracture repair — one that is faster, safer, and far less invasive.