Bioadhesives address several unmet needs in key industries

Vast technological capabilities and the addition of more viable solutions are driving the demand for bioadhesives across several industries, according to Frost & Sullivan’s report ‘Impact of bioadhesives in key sectors’. The industry is ripe for innovations from small companies with many bioadhesive vendors licensing new solutions to product developers looking to strengthen their portfolios and market positions, added Frost & Sullivan.
 
The report finds that animal glues, starch- and gum-based bioadhesives have found uses in key sectors, fulfilling the need for biocompatibility, eco-friendliness and adhesion. The study covers the healthcare, personal care, and paper and pulp industries.
 
“Bioadhesives have increasingly filled gaps that have developed due to the absence of natural substances suitable for the healthcare, personal care, and pulp and paper industries. Advanced adhesive functionalities for drug delivery systems as well as bio-compatibility and tissue friendliness for wound closure applications have spurred use of bioadhesives. Another major business accelerator of the bioadhesive market is the global inclination towards bio-based materials and reduced use of synthetic adhesives,” said Frost & Sullivan in a press release.
 
While bioadhesives are as generally as competent as synthetic adhesives, a major drawback is limited shelf life. In healthcare especially, the need to reduce operating costs strengthens demand for products that last longer in internal tissues. Moreover, shelf-life requirements for individual sectors differ; hence, research projects must focus on blending polymers to derive the most capable products.
 
“Lack of skilled resources is another challenge as integration of materials and bio-sciences and the invention of new polymeric products creates a disproportionate base of knowledgeable personnel. Establishing training facilities will be key for greater product development at the laboratory scale and commercialization at a global scale,” added the release.