We humans have a lot in common with pigs, including the nature of our skin. It is the largest human organ and performs a variety of functions. Above all, it protects our body from physical and chemical stimuli, from the penetration of microorganisms and from the loss of water and from heat. It is therefore no wonder that materials used in the medical field that will be in contact with the skin must undergo intensive testing before they can be used. This also includes skin adhesives. So-called “wound or tissue adhesives” are often the painless alternative to the conventional closure of wounds using surgical suture material. Before these adhesives can be used, their mechanical and adhesive properties must be evaluated. Applus+ IMA Dresden is recognized for the required tests in accordance with Directive 93/42/EEC and DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. But what does this mean exactly? To test an adhesive, it is applied to two 2.5 x 2.5 cm pieces of leather, which in turn have previously been attached to stamps. Under strictly regulated conditions, these two stamps are joined together via the leather surface so that the tensile strength of the skin adhesive can be tested when when loosening the adhesive bond. The test experts test for shear strength, peel strength, tensile strength and wound closure strength. For all tests, different scenarios are used to be able to say with certainty that the adhesive can withstand all possible movements of the skin and that the wound will not open.
