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2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate vs SYLKE

Surgeons, healthcare facilities, and patients alike face several challenges when it comes to wound closure and postoperative healing. Traditional methods using synthetic dressings and adhesives can cause significant complications such as medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), allergic contact dermatitis, and wound dehiscence. For surgeons, these reactions complicate postoperative care, resulting in increased interventions and treatment delays​​. In addition, healthcare facilities are burdened by the hidden costs associated with these complications, including extended hospital stays and the need for pharmaceutical interventions to treat issues like skin blistering and surgical site infections​. This not only increases operational costs but also strains staff and resources​.

From the patient’s perspective, MARSI-related complications lead to discomfort, delayed healing, and in some cases, worsened scarring​​. The distress caused by skin reactions, infection risk, and painful dressing removals impacts their recovery and quality of life​. Furthermore, the underreporting of MARSI incidents leaves many unaware of the preventable nature of these complications​​. As a result, patients often endure extended recovery times and dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes, feeling the consequences of a system reliant on outdated or synthetic wound care technology​​.
2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate
SYLKE® Prototype
Clinical Evidence

Engineered from First Principles.
Proven in Clinical Trials.

Aesthetic Surgery Journal

Silk Bioprotein as a Novel Surgical-Site Wound Dressing

A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blinded, Superiority Clinical Trial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Superiority of a Silk Surgical Site Wound Closure Device Over Synthetic Dressings

A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blinded Clinical Trial
Discover a new standard of care.

SYLKE Adhesive Wound Closure is our groundbreaking solution, revolutionizing the management of incisions and lacerations. Crafted from 99.9% sericin-free, medical-grade silk fibroin, SYLKE provides a biocompatiblebreathable, and water-resistant closure that gently yet securely adheres to the skin. Its innovative 360° stretch mimics the natural elasticity of skin, allowing for movement without compromising wound integrity. With up to 14 days of wear time, even on dynamic areas like joints, SYLKE is designed to protect the wound, offload tension, and support the body's natural healing process.

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Non-Immunogenic

SYLKE® is crafted from 99.9% purified silk fibroin, making it biocompatible and gentle on sensitive skin. Unlike synthetic closures that can trigger allergic reactions, SYLKE® is free from irritants, ensuring a safer healing process for all patients​​​.

Quick Application, Gentle Removal

SYLKE® applies instantly with no need for glue or drying time, unlike cyanoacrylate products, which require waiting for the adhesive to cure. Removal is gentle and painless, with no harsh solvents or skin stripping​​​.

2-Week Wear Time

SYLKE® is designed to stay securely in place for a full 14 days, offering long-lasting protection and consistent wound support without the need for frequent dressing changes​​​.

Water Resistant

SYLKE® provides reliable water resistance, allowing patients to shower normally during the healing process without losing adhesion. Its silk fibroin mesh is hydrophobic, meaning water beads up and flows off without affecting the adhesive.

Breathable

SYLKE®'s woven mesh is naturally breathable, allowing oxygen to promote healthy healing while reducing the risk of moisture buildup.

Offloads Tension

SYLKE® is engineered to evenly distribute tension across the wound, reducing the risk of blistering and dehiscence, while enhancing cosmetic outcomes, especially in high-movement areas like joints.
SYLKE Application

Total Knee Arthroplasty

SYLKE Application

Breast Reconstruction

SYLKE Application

Abdominoplasty

SYLKE Removal

Breast Reconstruction

SYLKE Removal

Total Knee Arthroplasty

SYLKE Removal

Total Knee Arthroplasty

SYLKE® Adhesive Wound Closure

Frequently Asked Questions

SYLKE® is made from 99.99% pure silk fibroin mesh with a biocompatible pressure-sensitive adhesive. The silk fibroin is naturally sourced and goes through a proprietary process to remove sericin, making it hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin​​.

SYLKE® has undergone extensive biocompatibility testing and is designed to be gentle on the skin, with no observed allergic reactions in clinical trials. The silk fibroin is hypoallergenic due to the removal of the sericin protein, and the adhesive is skin-friendly​​.

SYLKE® is indicated for use on clean, dry wounds, including simple lacerations, cuts, punctures, and post-surgical wounds. It should not be used on infected or actively bleeding wounds.

SYLKE® functions as both a wound closure by approximating skin edges and offloading tension to facilitate healing. Additionally, it acts as a dressing, forming a protective barrier that shields the wound from external contaminants​.

No, SYLKE® does not require additional glue like 2-octyl cyanoacrylate products. Its built-in, pressure-sensitive adhesive eliminates the need for messy glue application, significantly speeding up operating room time. SYLKE® can be applied in seconds and stays securely in place for up to 14 days. Removal is also much easier and gentler compared to 2-octyl products, which often require chemical solvents and can cause skin irritation or stripping.

No, SYLKE® is not intended to replace subcuticular or dermal sutures. Instead, it complements them by evenly distributing tension and preventing dead spaces, supporting the healing process​​.

SYLKE® is designed for up to 14 days of wear, including regular bathing. It provides robust protection throughout this period without requiring dressing changes​​.

Yes, SYLKE® is water-resistant, allowing patients to shower normally while it remains in place. However, full immersion in water, such as swimming or baths, is not recommended​​.

SYLKE® is semi-occlusive, meaning it allows breathability while still managing wound exudate. This supports an optimal healing environment by letting air in and keeping harmful contaminants out.

While silk fibroin has natural antimicrobial properties, SYLKE® itself is not classified as an antimicrobial dressing. It is designed to support healing by maintaining skin integrity without the need for antimicrobial agents.

Yes, SYLKE® is ideal for dynamic areas, such as knees and hips, because its 360° stretch mimics the natural movement of the skin​​.

SYLKE® can be easily trimmed to fit various wound lengths and shapes, making it highly versatile for different types of surgeries, specialties, and anatomical regions.

To remove SYLKE®, gently lift one edge and peel it off slowly along the line of the wound, using your other hand to stabilize the skin. Any residual adhesive can be cleaned off with warm soapy water or an alcohol pad.

If SYLKE® shows signs of strikethrough (fluid leakage through the dressing), it does not need to be replaced unless the wound becomes excessively saturated or soiled. A small amount of fluid or dried blood is normal and does not affect the dressing’s performance. If the dressing becomes fully saturated, it should be replaced.

Please email purchase orders to po@sylke.com, or order here online with a credit card.