The biocompatibility of two
cyanoacrylate surgical
glues (
Glubran and
Glubran 2), supplied by General Enterprise Marketing, Viareggio, Lucca, Italy, was tested through cytotoxicity and blood compatibility tests and the evaluation of antimicrobial activity. Cytotoxicity and blood compatibility tests were performed on the polymerized
glues. Using the
neutral red uptake test, the extracts from
Glubran and
Glubran 2 after polymerization were non-toxic to L929 cells only when diluted 1: 10 with culture medium.
Glubran and
Glubran 2 induced a significant decrease of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which is favourable with regard to the desired haemostasis. The APTT shortening determines a haemostatic effect and therefore contribute to the
tissue adhesion induced by the
glues. Otherwise, no significant variation of
prothrombin activity,
fibrinogen, platelet number, total and differential leukocyte count was induced by the
glues, which, in addition, did not show haemolytic effect. There was no difference between
Glubran and
Glubran 2 regarding haemocompatibility. The antimicrobial ability of the unpolymerized
glues was tested onto Bacillus subtilis var. niger for 3 weeks: neither
Glubran nor
Glubran 2 were found effective in this respect. In conclusion, we can assume that cytotoxicity was severe with the undiluted
glues, but was acceptable when
glues were diluted. On the contrary, blood compatibility was acceptable for the intended use of the
glues. No difference was found between
Glubran and
Glubran 2 after polymerization.