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Preparation of Functional Silica Using a Bioinspired Method
Published on: August 1, 2018
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Bioinspired Underwater Adhesives by Using the Supramolecular Toolbox
Anton H Hofman1, Ilse A van Hees1, Juan Yang2
1Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|January 23, 2018
Summary
Nature
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials science
- Adhesion science
- Supramolecular chemistry
Background:
- Nature utilizes protein-based adhesives with remarkable underwater performance.
- Key features include catechols, amphiphilic, and ionic properties.
- These create a supramolecular toolbox for advanced adhesive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore versatile interactions in natural adhesives (sandcastle worms, mussels).
- To provide a broader perspective on biological adhesive principles.
- To summarize synthetic adhesive systems based on supramolecular interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of natural adhesive protein structures and functions.
- Analysis of supramolecular interactions in biological adhesion.
- Compilation and categorization of synthetic supramolecular adhesive systems.
Main Results:
- Natural adhesives leverage catechol, amphiphilic, and ionic features for strong, stimuli-responsive adhesion.
- Diverse supramolecular interactions are employed in both natural and synthetic systems.
- Combinations of interactions offer significant design flexibility for new adhesives.
Conclusions:
- Understanding natural adhesives provides a blueprint for advanced synthetic materials.
- Supramolecular chemistry is key to designing high-performance, stimuli-responsive adhesives.
- Exploiting varied interactions can lead to novel adhesive solutions across diverse applications.
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