The present invention relates to methods for adhering tissue surfaces and materials and biomedical uses thereof. In particular the present invention relates to a method for adhering a first tissue surface to a second tissue surface in a subject in need thereof, comprising the steps of adsorbing a layer of nanoparticles on at least one of the tissue surfaces, and approximating the surfaces for a time sufficient for allowing the surfaces to adhere to each other. The present invention also relates to a method for adhering a material to a biological tissue in a subject in need thereof, comprising the steps of adsorbing a layer of nanoparticles on the surface of the material and/or the biological tissue and approximating the material and the biological tissue for a time sufficient for allowing the material and the biological tissue to adhere to each other.
Inventors demonstrated that rapid and strong adhesion by aqueous solutions of nanoparticles can be advantageously used in very different clinical situations. For skin wounds a remarkable aesthetic healing was obtained and repair procedure does not require any specific preparation or training. Bleeding control and tissue repair by nanobridging shown here in the case of liver could be used on spleen, kidney, heart, and lungs surgeries. When tight sealing is needed nanobridging could complement anastomosis and classical suturing protocols. The possibility of securing medical devices could open new applications in repair and regenerative medicine. From chemistry standpoint, the principle illustrated here has used silica and iron oxide nanoparticles but not limited to these nanoparticle and they are many possible choices of sizes, forms and surface chemistries. In particular, nanoparticles with intrinsic biological effects such as silver nanoparticles for skin infection or drug delivery systems could provide useful options. Translation to clinical practice will require careful safety and toxicity investigations. A better understanding of biological mechanisms of the adhesion by nanobridging will guide the design of future-generation tissue adhesives.