A novel method of manufacturing and applications of a composition of matter comprising of a cross-linked form of a polysaccharide, at least one cross-linking agent comprised of divalent ions for effecting said cross-linked form of said polysaccharide, and at least one synthetically prepared phloroglucinol compound selected from the group comprising of phloroglucinol, a derivative of phloroglucinol, and a polymer synthetically prepared from phloroglucinol or a derivative of phloroglucinol, as an adhesive in procedures for reattaching or repairing body parts or components thereof, such as tissue, of (human or animal) subjects, especially under wet conditions, for example, involving adhesion of wet surfaces.