A Green Catechol-Containing Cellulose Nanofibrils-Cross-Linked Adhesive

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional adhesives pose environmental and health risks due to non-eco-friendly synthesis and usage.
• There is a growing demand for sustainable and biocompatible adhesive solutions across diverse industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel green adhesive based on cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and a biocompatible polymer.
• To evaluate the adhesive properties, biocompatibility, and potential applications of the developed material.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-dopamine methacrylamide) (P(HEMA-co-DMA)) with 7.1 mol % catechol content.
• Cross-linked P(HEMA-co-DMA) using cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to create the CNFs/P(HEMA-co-DMA) adhesive.
• Assessed lap shear strength on various substrates and performed NIH 3T3 cell tests for biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• The developed CNFs/P(HEMA-co-DMA) adhesive exhibited strong bonding, with a maximum lap shear strength of 5.50 MPa on steel.
• Biocompatibility tests using NIH 3T3 cells confirmed the adhesive's excellent safety profile.
• The green, catechol-containing adhesive demonstrated robust adhesion and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The novel CNFs-cross-linked adhesive offers a sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional adhesives.
• Its excellent biocompatibility and strong adhesion make it suitable for demanding applications in medicine, electronics, food packaging, and engineering.