Work

Mussel-Inspired Adhesives and Coatings

Year: 2011

Type: review

Abstract: Mussels attach to solid surfaces in the sea. Their adhesion must be rapid, strong, and tough, or else they will be dislodged and dashed to pieces by the next incoming wave. Given the dearth of synthetic adhesives for wet polar surfaces, much effort has been directed to characterizing and mimicking essential features of the adhesive chemistry practiced by mussels. Studies of these organisms have uncovered important adaptive strategies that help to circumvent the high dielectric and solvation properties of water that typically frustrate adhesion. In a chemical vein, the adhesive proteins of mussels are heavily decorated with Dopa, a catecholic functionality. Various synthetic polymers have been functionalized with catechols to provide diverse adhesive, sealant, coating, and anchoring properties, particularly for critical biomedical applications.

Source: Annual Review of Materials Research

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-matsci-062910-100429

Authors: Bruce P. Lee, P.B. Messersmith, J.N. Israelachvili, J.H. Waite

Institutions: Michigan Technological University, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Northwestern University, University of California, Santa Barbara

Language: English

Topic: Polymer Surface Interaction Studies

Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Award: Transating Mussel Adhesion