ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some general factors of fibrin glue (FG) formation and its properties, particularly as they are modulated by the universal parameters of ionic strength and pH. FG is the quintessential, albeit concentrated version of fibrin formed as a result of physiological blood coagulation. FG is prepared in a two-component form as fibrinogen and thrombin. Breaking strength (BS) of FG is of major interest because this reflects its utility in terms of one of its intended applications. BS is distinct from adhesion to skin or other tissue in that it only reflects the internal interaction of fibrin. It does not reflect binding or cross-linking to cellular sites or to other materials; thus, BS is entirely self-referential. In FG, which usually contains high levels of fibrinogen, intermediate fibrinogeniprotofibril inhibit lateral association reactions, which results in a decreased rate of coagulation. Actually, the slope of BS versus fibrinogen levels is also helpful in evaluating the usefulness of FG preparation.
