Adhesives formed by reacting an oxidized polysaccharide with a poly(hydroxylic) compound derivatized with acetoacetate groups in the presence of a base catalyst are disclosed. The use of the adhesives for medical and veterinary applications such as topical wound closure and surgical procedures, such as intestinal anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, and ophthalmic procedures and drug delivery are described. The adhesive may also be used for industrial and consumer applications.
