The present invention is directed to curable compositions that comprise a non-porous substrate, one or more cyanoacrylate polymerization initiators and a prepolymer composition comprising at least one liquid cyanoacrylate monomer or mixture of such monomers (solid or liquid) and/or cyanoacrylate oligomers. The non-porous substrate is a collection of individual particulates that are not bound, bonded or fixed to one another. At least one initiator is deposited on the surface of the individual particulates to form a plurality of initiator carriers. The prepolymer composition receives the plurality of initiator carriers to begin a controlled and consistent polymerization or curing of the liquid cyanoacrylate monomer in order to produce a biocompatible adhesive composition for use on living tissue. The present invention also provides for methods of making and using and devices for such a curable compositions, particularly in treating living tissue by applying to living tissue a biocompatible adhesive composition.