To prevent the complications that might occur following polyp removal during a colonoscopy, a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a sprayable gel that can reportedly shield the surgical site and prevent gastrointestinal bleeding.

According to its developers, the aptly named GastroShield can be sprayed onto the surgical site using an endoscope. There, the gel creates a tough yet flexible protective layer for the damaged area, thereby preventing delayed bleeding and reinforcing the mechanical integrity of the tissue.

Source: MITSource: MIT

"Our tissue-responsive adhesive technology is engineered to interact with the tissue via complimentary covalent and ionic interactions as well as physical interactions to provide prolonged lesion protection over days to prevent complications following polyp removal and other wounds at risk of bleeding across the gastrointestinal tract," the researchers explained.

To develop GastroShield, the team used a polymer called pluronic, which is a block copolymer that self-assembles into spheres called micelles. The researchers added that the ends of the polymers feature multiple amine groups that reach the surface of the micelles. The gel also features oxidized dextran, a polysaccharide that forms strong yet reversible bonds with the amine groups of the pluronic micelles.

Once applied, the materials immediately react, both with each other and with the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, creating a solid gel in under five seconds. The gel’s micelles are "self-healing" and capable of absorbing forces encountered during peristaltic movements and as food moves along the digestive tract by temporarily breaking apart and then re-assembling.

Because the gel can also withstand the low pH and enzymatic activity environment of the digestive tract, protecting and healing tissue, it is considered appropriate for use in other gastrointestinal wounds like stomach ulcers.

During an animal study, the team demonstrated that GastroShield seamlessly integrated with current endoscopic procedures and offered wound protection for three to seven days, encouraging tissue to heal following surgery. The material eventually sloughed off with the top layer of tissue as the surgical wounds healed.

The research team has started a company called BioDevek that plans to further develop the material for use in humans.

The sprayable gel is detailed in the article, “Sprayable Hydrogel Sealant for Gastrointestinal Wound Shielding,” Advanced Materials.

To contact the author of this article, email mdonlon@globalspec.com