Enhanced bonding strength of a novel tissue adhesive consisting of cholesteryl group-modified gelatin and disuccinimidyl tartarate

The bonding strength and biocompatibility of a novel tissue adhesive consisting of cholesteryl group-modified gelatin and disuccinimidyl tartarate was evaluated. The approach was based on hydrophobically-modified gelatin to enhance the penetration of an adhesive into tissue. Disuccinimidyl tartarate was used to cross-link the cholesteryl group-modified gelatin. The cholesteryl group-modified gelatin was prepared by partially converting the gelatin amino groups with cholesteryl chloroformate. The bonding strength was evaluated by mixing cholesteryl group-modified gelatin and unmodified gelatin with the fixed amino groups/active ester groups of disuccinimidyl tartarate. The bonding strength of the resulting tissue adhesive was 1.7 times greater than the commercial aldehyde-based adhesive. The level of inflammation transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B, of the new tissue adhesive was significantly lower compared to the aldehyde-based adhesive after subcutaneous implantation. These results indicate that hydrophobic groups, such as cholesteryl, enhance tissue penetration as well as increase the bonding strength of tissue adhesive without a negative effect on the biocompatibility.