Is C&B Metabond the Key to More Stable Neuroscience Experiments? 

Achieving stable fixation during in-vivo procedures is one of the greatest challenges in neuroscience research. Whether you’re placing cranial windows, securing headplates, or recording delicate neural activity. You need the implant to keep firmly in place for periods that can stretch from weeks to years. That’s why many researchers turn to C&B Metabond, a dental adhesive trusted for its strong bonding performance in rodent and small-animal surgeries. 

In this blog, we explore what C&B Metabond is, how it supports rodent surgery, and why it has become a leading choice for European neuroscience and biomedical researchers. 

What Is C&B Metabond? 

C&B Metabond is a high-strength dental adhesive marketed by dental manufacturer Parkell Inc. A must with dental professionals worldwide for its reliable strength, this cement is also used extensively in neuroscience and biomedical research for rodent head fixation and cranial procedures.

Moreover, it is known for its strong bond strength and biocompatibility. Besides, C&B Metabond helps ensure reliable and stable implant fixation during in-vivo experiments. And, it is also mentioned and recommended in the most influential protocols such as the Allen Institute for the Brain’s Standardized Head-Fixation System for Performing Large-Scale, In Vivo Physiological Recordings in Mice and the IBL protocol for headbar implant surgery in mice.  
 
Moreover, the adhesive forms a strong bond to bone and metal. Its formulation supports therefore use in precise (small) animal surgeries and delivers clean and long-lasting results. 

The adhesive is ideal for: 

• Cranial window placement 

• Headplate implantation 

• Rodent, bird, and larger animal model procedures 

Furthermore, in cooperation with European researchers, Parkell recently developed a special C&B Metabond R&D kit.

It contains only the C&B Metabond components that NS researchers typically use. Items such as dentine and enamel activators are not included in the kit. Resulting in a zero-waste, economically viable alternative that is sold to NS research institutes worldwide through Parkell’s European branch, Parkell Europe with offices in Upplands Väsby, Sweden.  

Why Do Researchers Use C&B Metabond in Rodent Surgery?

C&B Metabond R&D is valued by researchers because it was specifically engineered for the demands of in vivo experimentation, where precision, stability, and clean surgical handling are essential. Read more about how C&B Metabond R&D is used as a dental adhesive for rodent surgery. 

Further, C&B Metabond R&D offers several advantages that make it a top choice for precise vivo research. Below are some of the advantages 

1. Strong Bond to Bone and Metal 

The adhesive forms a durable and stable bond to bone and metals—an essential requirement for chronic implants that must remain secure over long experimental periods. 

2. Proven Biocompatibility 

Its formulation supports biocompatible bonding, making it suitable for delicate small-animal procedures where tissue reactions could compromise outcomes. 

3. Cleaner and More Efficient Than Acrylic Systems 

Unlike acrylic adhesives requiring multiple layers or glue components. C&B Metabond R&D provides a clean, direct, and efficient bonding process, reducing unnecessary waste. 

4. Designed Specifically for In Vivo European Research 

Developed in collaboration with European neuroscientists, the R&D kit includes only essential components for research use, removing clinical extras and minimizing material waste. 

How Is C&B Metabond Used in Neuroscience and Biomedical Studies? 

C&B Metabond is engineered to bond any substrate to bone—especially metal components. This makes it ideal for: 

• Headplate implantation during behavioral and electrophysiology studies 

• Cranial window placement, including chronic or removable designs 

• Thinned-skull preparations for imaging 

• Stable implant placement during long-term EEG or freely moving recordings 

In addition, its reliability supports consistent, high-quality data collection in experimental setups that demand absolute stability. 

Who Uses C&B Metabond Dental Adhesive? 

C&B Metabond R&D is used by nearly all major U.S, European and international research institutions, including: 

• Ivy League Universities 

• Oxford University 

• The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

• Karolinska Institute 

• The Allen Institute for Brain Science 

These institutions rely on the adhesive for their performance in studies requiring secure, long-term fixation. 

Where Is C&B Metabond Approved for Use? 

C&B Metabond R&D is not CE-marked and is intended exclusively for non-human research. Its formulation ensures compliance for laboratories conducting in vivo neurobiological studies. Moreover, it is not approved for dental use in Europe and is only intended for research applications, not clinical procedures. 

Research Applications Supported by C&B Metabond 

The adhesive is referenced in multiple neuroscience protocols and publications, including: 

• Barkus et al. (2022): Refinements to rodent head fixation and fluid/food control for neuroscience. 

• Coelho-Santos et al. (2022): Reinforced thinned-skull window for repeated imaging of the neonatal mouse brain. 

• Silasi et al. (2016): Intact skull chronic windows for mesoscopic wide-field imaging in awake mice. 

• Goldey et al. (2014): Long-term imaging in awake mice using removable cranial windows. 

• Wang et al (2022): Protocol for recording epileptiform discharges of EEG and behavioral seizures in freely moving mice. STAR Protocol. 

These examples highlight its critical role in maintaining implant stability across advanced experimental methods. 

Conclusion

Undoubtly, C&B Metabond dental adhesive, has become a go-to adhesive for neuroscience researchers due to its superior bond strength, clean handling, and research-focused formulation. Its ability to reliably bond bone and metal make it essential for head fixation, cranial window implantation, and a wide range of in vivo procedures. 

If your research depends on stable, long-lasting implant attachment, C&B Metabond R&D provides the reliability and performance needed to maintain data quality and experimental consistency. Ready to Improve Implant Stability in Your Lab? Order C&B Metabond R&D today. And equip your research facility with a high-performance adhesive designed specifically for non-human neurobiological applications. For more information, please visit our website.