The development of photochemically crosslinked native fibrinogen as a rapidly formed and mechanically strong surgical tissue sealant

We recently reported the generation of a highly elastic, crosslinked protein biomaterial via a rapid photochemical process using visible light illumination. In light of these findings, we predicted that other unmodified, tyrosine-rich, self-associating proteins might also be susceptible to this covalent crosslinking method. Here we show that unmodified native fibrinogen can also be photochemically crosslinked into an elastic hydrogel biomaterial through the rapid formation of intermolecular dityrosine. Photochemically crosslinked fibrinogen forms tissue sealant bonds at least 5-fold stronger than commercial fibrin glue and is capable of producing maximum bond strength within 20 s. In vitro studies showed that components of the photochemical crosslinking reaction are non-toxic to cells. This material will find useful application in various surgical procedures where rapid curing for high strength tissue sealing is required.