In orthopedics, a groundbreaking new Chinese technology is on the threshold of transforming treatment of bone fractures. Scientists at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Zhejiang Province, led by Dr. Lin Xianfeng, have developed a new medical adhesive called “Bone-02.” The bio-inspired “bone glue” can potentially heal fractures in only three minutes, delivering a faster, less invasive, and more patient-friendly option than traditional surgery.

The Drawback of Traditional Fracture Fixation

Traditional therapy for complex or broken fractures of a bone has existed for centuries in the form of surgical placement of metal rods, screws, or plates. Though successful, it has several key drawbacks:

Time and Disfiguring Operations: Surgeons must make large cuts and bone pieces painstakingly rebuilt, an operation lasting several hours.

Risk of Complications: There is a risk of complications such as infection, rejection, and foreign-body reaction due to foreign metal implants.

Secondary Surgery: Secondary surgery is generally required to remove the metal hardware once the bone has healed, putting the patient at greater risk, discomfort, and healing time.

Bone-02 was designed specifically to bypass these same issues, surmounting centuries-long technical obstacles that long kept a genuine bone adhesive from being created.

The Technology Behind Bone-02: Learning from Mother Nature

The inspiration for Bone-02 came from an unlikely source: oysters. Dr. Lin Xianfeng observed how oysters can cling to wet, moving surfaces like bridge piers with incredible strength, even in the harsh conditions of the ocean. This observation led the team to develop a material that could mimic this natural resilience, creating a powerful adhesive that works effectively in the blood-rich, moist environment of the human body.

The structure of the adhesive mixes calcium with certain proteins, allowing it to form a tough, elastic, and biocompatible bond. Bone-02 presented astounding mechanical characteristics throughout clinical and lab testing, including:

A bonding pressure of more than 400 pounds.

A shear strength of around 0.5 MPa.

A compressive strength of around 10 MPa.

These measurements show that the adhesive is robust enough to withstand the stresses of natural bone healing and could, in most cases, replace conventional metal implants.

How is Bone-02 Applied?

Even though it has been likened to a “glue,” Bone-02’s usage is a highly specific medical procedure that must be performed within a sterile operating environment. It is a minimally invasive method, which is one of the biggest advantages.

In contrast to the large cuts that are necessary for traditional surgery, the glue is introduced through a small incision of approximately 2-3 cm. A special machine is used to release the glue directly onto fragments of the bone. The adhesive is active and sets in two or three minutes, which holds the bone fragments together in place. Because the procedure is shorter and much less invasive, it reduces the patient’s operating time by a huge margin with faster recovery and fewer complications.

Bone-02’s Key Advantages

The development of this “bone glue” offers a paradigm shift in fracture care, with numerous potential benefits to patients and healthcare systems:

Quick Fixation: Bone-02 can bring bone fragments into accurate fixation within two or three minutes. This cuts surgical time considerably, probably minimizing the risk of complications that arise with lengthy procedures.

Less Invasive: The adhesive can typically be placed with one small cut, without requiring extensive open surgery. This causes less tissue damage, smaller wounds, and a faster recovery.

Safe and Bioabsorbable: The most striking feature of Bone-02 is that it is bioabsorbable. The material dissolves on its own within six months after the bone is strengthened, so there is no second operation to remove implants. Not only does this save on costs and recovery risks, but it also increases the overall comfort of the patient.

Versatility: Early clinical tests on over 150 patients have shown promising outcomes for a variety of fractures, from simple breaks to complex, shattered bone. The fact that the adhesive can precisely fit small fragments is particularly valuable for comminuted fractures—a classic surgical challenge.

The Path Forward

Though initial findings are highly encouraging and have caused great worldwide interest, the researchers are careful to point out that larger, multi-center clinical trials will be necessary before Bone-02 is widely accepted. Those trials will further demonstrate its long-term safety and effectiveness across a wide range of patient populations and types of fractures.

Chinese health authorities already approved the product, and plans for industrial-scale production and exportation overseas are being evaluated. The success of Bone-02 not only puts China at the top of the list in medical biotechnology but also represents a giant leap for orthopedic medicine in the world. It’s a breakthrough that reminds us that some of the greatest scientific advances are found in looking to nature as an example.

Sources/References

• Li, H., & Wang, Y. (2025, September 13). Chinese Scientists Develop ‘Bone Glue’ that Heals Fractures in Just 3 Minutes. NDTV.
• Zhejiang Online. (2025, September 10). “Bone 02” Bone Glue Unveiled. Global Times.
• Pandaily. (2025, September 9). Inspired by Oysters! China’s “Bone 02” Solves Comminuted Fractures — Bonds in 3 Minutes, Avoids Secondary Surgery. Pandaily.
• Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University. (n.d.). Research. Retrieved from srrsh-english.com/research
• Pressenza International Press Agency. (2025, September 16). Bone Glue Bone-02: The Chinese Medical Revolution that Repairs Fractures in Three Minutes. Pressenza.