Cyanoacrylates in this context means advanced polymer-based medical-adhesives (wound glues), skin protectants, and sealants based on the proprietary formulations of cyanoacrylate-based compounds.
These products are fast setting, high tensile strength polymers which bind with the skin's surface and, once set, are flexible, durable, waterproof, and transparent. Externally applied, these products can be used to address a number of medical needs, such as the closure of external cuts and wounds, the protection of surgical incision areas from bacteria during and after surgery, and the prevention of skin breakdown wounds caused by prolonged pressure or cancer radiation therapy.
This technology, first developed in the 1950's by reacting alkyl cyanoacetate with formaldehyde, was recognised as having medical application due to excellent haemostatic effects. Initially used for preventing extensive bleeding in battle field injuries in the Vietnam War, it was subsequently considered inappropriate for routine medical application due to poor bio-compatability.
Early cyanoacrylates commonly used for industrial applications utilised small molecular structures (methyl, ethyl) which provided fast setting and high tensile strength, however the formaldehyde released from the rapid breakdown of the material caused tissue reactions.
Medical cyanoacrylates utilising larger molecular structures such as butyl and octyl were subsequently developed which when distilled to high levels of purity are ideally suited to topical wound closure.
These molecular structures can be formulated to exhibit different qualities of strength, setting time, flexibility and bio-compatability to suit a particular medical application ranging from a glue to a skin protectant.
The ability to sterilise the material and deliver via easy-to-use applicators, has made cyanoacrylate technology a valuable medical device in Accident & Emergency centres, operating theatres and long-term care facilities whilst offering exciting opportunities for Consumer OTC and sports use.
Performance
The key parameters for cyanoacrylates depend upon the application
- Closure
- Strength of bond
- Speed of curing
- Protection
- Low surface friction
- Speed of curing
- Breathability
AMS cyanoacrylates show excellent bond strength, surface friction and breathability. Curing speed depends on the formulation but is triggered by moisture (requires no curing agent) in all formulations, the adhesive is fully cured in seconds.
| Feature |
Benefit |
| Moisture-cured |
Direct application: no mixing or preparation |
| Bonded to skin |
Will not peel off, protects against shear |
| High MVTR |
Promotes Moist Wound Healing |
Indications
- LiquiBand®: Closure of the skin in clean fresh wounds with easily opposed edges.
- LiquiBand®: Protection and treatment of intact or damaged skin from the effects of moisture, friction and shear.
Contraindications
- LiquiBand®: Single use application not for multiple patients. Internal organs, blood vessels, nerve tissue, mucous membranes.
- LiquiBand®:Not for use on full or partial thickness wounds. Do not apply to infected areas.