Mussel adhesion: A fundamental perspective on factors governing strong underwater adhesion

Abstract

Protein-based underwater adhesives of marine organisms exhibit extraordinary binding strength in high salinity based on utilizing a variety of molecular interaction mechanisms. These include acid-base interactions, bidentate bindings or complex hydrogen bonding interactions, and electrochemical manipulation of interfacial bonding. In this Perspective, we briefly review recent progress in the field, and we discuss how interfacial electrochemistry can vary interfacial forces by concerted tuning of surface charging, hydration forces, and tuning of the interfacial ion concentration. We further discuss open questions, controversial findings, and new paths into understanding and utilizing redox-proteins and derived polymers for enhancing underwater adhesion in a complex salt environment.

Molecular Crowding: The History and Development of a Scientific Paradigm

“…Mussels have evolved a remarkable adaptation to survive in the dynamic and challenging coastal environment they inhabit. Central to their survival is their exceptional ability to firmly attach to various wet surfaces using specialized proteins, commonly referred to as Mussel Foot Proteins (MFPs). , MFPs play a crucial role in the formation of the mussel byssal plaque, a porous and fibrous adhesive structure that enables mussels to anchor securely, resist the relentless forces of waves and currents, and maintain their position on diverse substrates such as rocks, ship hulls, or other organisms. ,− Several MFPs have been identified in the different mussel gena. In the Asian green mussel Perna viridis for instance there are three (Pvfp-3α, -5β, and -6), which are secreted with a well-defined temporal succession .…”

Injectable Hydrogels: A Paradigm Tailored with Design, Characterization, and Multifaceted Approaches

“…[1,13,[65][66][67][68][69] The chemical design of IH involves the selection and incorporation of specific polymers, crosslinking agents, and reversible interactions to attain the desired properties and functionality. Numerous strategies such as i) noncovalent interaction, [70][71][72] ii) dynamic covalent interaction, and iii) combination of interactions [73][74][75][76] have been explored for designing IHs.…”

Underwater Bonding with a Biobased Adhesive from Tannic Acid and Zein Protein

“…Recent work on biomimetic materials has been making significant progress toward addressing wet bonding . Shellfish and aquatic species are the experts of underwater adhesion. , Mussels, barnacles, oysters, limpets, sandcastle worms, and sea grasses are some of the amazing creatures that stick themselves to the sea floor and each other with intriguing glues. , As we learn more about how these animals achieve their tricks, biomimetic materials are coming to prominence. , Perhaps the most common approach of making new adhesives here has been to focus on the key 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (i.e., DOPA) group in mussel adhesive proteins. , Synthetic polymers with pendant catechol (i.e., dihydroxyphenyl) or gallol (i.e., trihydoxyphenyl) groups are showing good results. − In some cases, underwater bond strengths that have never been seen before are now available. Biomimetic systems can even bond more strongly than the animals .…”

“…6 Shellfish and aquatic species are the experts of underwater adhesion. 7,8 Mussels, barnacles, oysters, limpets, sandcastle worms, and sea grasses are some of the amazing creatures that stick themselves to the sea floor and each other with intriguing glues. 9,10 As we learn more about how these animals achieve their tricks, biomimetic materials are coming to prominence.…”