Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2025

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Robust Supramolecular Adhesives Based on Natural Small Molecules Through Hydrogen Bonding
Hui-Yao Lin1, Le Li1, Qi Zhang1
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
Researchers developed a novel water-soluble supramolecular adhesive from natural molecules. This eco-friendly adhesive offers strong, stable bonding across wide temperature ranges, reducing environmental concerns from traditional polymers.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional polymer adhesives pose environmental risks due to persistence and residue.
- Complex network designs and chain entanglement limit the performance of traditional adhesives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a water-soluble, eco-friendly supramolecular adhesive using natural small molecules.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional polymer adhesives regarding environmental impact and performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a supramolecular adhesive utilizing dynamic disulfide bond ring-opening polymerization and electrostatic interactions.
- Incorporated water-soluble hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) to enhance hydrogen-bonding and stabilize network topology.
- Evaluated adhesion strength, environmental resistance (thermal, solvent), and minimal usage efficacy.
Main Results:
- Achieved strong adhesion (supporting 10^7 times its weight) at minimal usage (∼0.4 mg/cm²).
- Demonstrated excellent thermal stability (-80°C to 120°C) and resistance to organic solvents.
- The supramolecular design minimized chain entanglement, improving adhesive properties.
Conclusions:
- The novel supramolecular adhesive presents a sustainable alternative to conventional polymer adhesives.
- The material exhibits robust performance and environmental resilience, addressing key concerns in adhesive technology.
Related Concept Videos
Hydrogen Bonds
Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...
Cohesion
On a...
Introduction to Chemical Bonds
The electrons of the outermost energy level determine the energetic stability of the atom and its tendency to form chemical bonds with other atoms. The innermost electron shell has a maximum capacity of two electrons, but the next two electron shells can each have a maximum of eight electrons. This is known as the octet rule, which states that, with the exception of the innermost shell, atoms are most stable energetically when they have eight electrons in their valence shell, the...
Dehydration Synthesis
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
Peptide Bonds

