Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Investigating Single Molecule Adhesion by Atomic Force Spectroscopy
Published on: February 27, 2015
pH-Tolerant Wet Adhesion of Catechol Analogs
George D Degen1, Syeda Tajin Ahmed2, Parker R Stow3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States.
Abstract:
The need for improved wet adhesives has driven research on mussel-inspired materials incorporating dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and related analogs of the parent catechol, but their susceptibility to oxidation limits practical application of these functionalities. Here, we investigate the molecular-level adhesion of the catechol analogs dihydroxybenzamide (DHB) and hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) as a function of pH. We find that the molecular structure of the catechol analogs influences their susceptibility to oxidation in alkaline conditions, with HOPO emerging as a particularly promising candidate for pH-tolerant adhesives for diverse environmental conditions.
More Related Videos
13:35A Convenient Method for Extraction and Analysis with High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography of Catecholamine Neurotransmitters and Their Metabolites
Published on: March 1, 2018
08:12Surface Functionalization of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Improved Moisture Resistance
Published on: September 5, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Adhesion
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow glass...
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents
These agents can be classified...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...