2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate

PMN - indicates a commenced PMN (Pre-Manufacture Notices) substance.

REACH registered substance: 2-Propenoic acid, 2-cyano-, 1-methylheptyl ester (EC: 700-845-1)

2-octyl cyanoacrylate: Does not have an individual approval but may be used as a component in a product covered by a group standard. It is not approved for use as a chemical in its own right.

The risk of wound infection with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate repair is statistically similar to the risk of wound infection with usual suture repair. Common adverse reactions for 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and all wound closure techniques include edema, erythema, and pain around the wound site. Excessive warmth at the application site can occur if large droplets of the polymer are allowed to settle on the skin. Due to the strength and swift polymerization of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, inadvertent adhesion of the body or tools may occur, in which case the practitioner should apply either acetone or petroleum jelly for improved separation. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid the wound itself during application since the adhesive can cause foreign body reactions.

The earliest precursors of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, including ethyl-2 cyanoacrylate, had similar bonding capabilities but rapidly broke down into cyanoacetate and formaldehyde, leading to local inflammatory reactions. 2-octyl cyanoacrylate has overcome this issue by utilizing longer chain products leading to a slower release that can undergo safer, natural excretion. Those who have a hypersensitivity to cyanoacrylate or formaldehyde can develop contact dermatitis if 2-octyl cyanoacrylate is applied.

Upon exposure to anions provided by skin moisture or wound exudate, the monomers of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate quickly polymerize in an exothermic reaction that binds to the most superficial epithelium. This forms a water-tight barrier to allow for uninterrupted wound healing. It has also been shown to have intrinsic anti-microbial activity against gram-positive (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and non-pseudomonas gram-negative bacteria. A hypothesized mechanism is that 2-octyl cyanoacrylate destabilizes the cell capsule of gram-positive bacteria through electromagnetic interactions.