The secretions of the Notaden Frog, or Crucifix Frog as it is commonly known, may provide the latest scientific and medical breakthroughs for healing wounds. The bloated looking creature - found mostly in Australias driest areas - secretes a fast drying frog glue when under attack. When ants bite the frog they literally stick to its skin, which it later sheds, ants and all. The Crucifx frog is a yellow or greenish colour and grows to about 4 cm (1.5 inches) long. It is named for the dark, crosslike pattern on its back, and copes in dry locations by living underground, and emerging from its burrow after a heavy rain. Australian CSIRO scientists hope to be able to create a synthetic version of the frogs secretion for use in closing wounds and in agents which stop bleeding. The frog glue secretion is sticky and elastic, protein-based and non-toxic, and is microporous, which means it should help the passage of gases, nutrients and maybe cells. It adheres to glass, plastic, metal, wood, skin, Teflon - even in the wet and on drying, bonds rigid surfaces as effectively as commercial glues. The glue is proving highly bio-compatible in cell and organ culture experiments and gave good results when used to repair torn and cut sheep meniscal cartilage. The total market potential is conservatively estimated to be over US$2.5 billion for hemostats and sealants, and over US$750 million for skin wound closure using high strength glues. |
