That question led to a breakthrough now protected under U.S. Patent No. 12,331,230, issued in June 2025. The invention? A second-generation surgical sealant that doesn’t just close wounds. It holds them with strength and elasticity unmatched by current commercial options.

Traditional methods like sutures and staples have long been the standard, but they come with drawbacks: discomfort, scarring and the risk of infection. Sealants have emerged as a promising alternative, yet most on the market fall short. They lack the flexibility and adhesive power needed to stand alone. Liu’s team changed that.

This isn’t just a technical achievement. It’s a story of persistence, collaboration and the kind of interdisciplinary thinking that defines the Weldon School. Liu’s work draws from biology, chemistry and materials science, blending them into a solution that could transform how surgeons approach wound closure.

The sealant’s potential is huge. It could reduce post-operative infections, minimize scarring and eliminate the need for follow-up visits to remove stitches. For patients, that means faster healing and fewer complications. For hospitals, it means lower costs and better outcomes.

And for Purdue, it’s another example of how research at the Weldon School doesn’t stay in the lab. It moves quietly and powerfully into the world.

The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university’s academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. In fiscal year 2024, the office reported 145 deals finalized with 224 technologies signed, 466 invention disclosures received, and 290 U.S. and international patents received. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information.