New York: A synethetic superglue similar to that used by crustacians to stick to rocks and boats has been developed to repair bones and wounds.

The new glue, called Medhesive, takes under a minute to set and works in wet and extremes of temperatures which means it has the potential to repair internal organs too.

The glue fluid of sea animals such as barnacles contains a combination of proteins and amino acids that form into a rock hard glue. The Medhesive glue is being made by a US company, the Nerites Corporation, with reserachers from the Northwest University in Chicago.

Although various forms of glue to repair the body have been in use for some time, they are not always suitable and stitches sometimes have to be used instead.

The immense bonding strength of barnacle glue and its ability to stick in any environment could make it the perfect answer. The manufacturers expect this synthetic glue to be in use in two to three years.