A Mussel-Inspired Design for Robust Catechol-Functionalized Cross-Linking Adhesives Uniting Water Resistance,
Wei Wang1, Jie Liu1, Shilong Zhu1
1State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 17, 2025
Summary
This study developed a new mussel-inspired adhesive (MPCs) using catechol chemistry for strong, sustainable bonding in extreme conditions. The eco-friendly adhesive is recyclable, biocompatible, and self-reporting for damage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomimetic Engineering
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Growing demand for green adhesives capable of stable adhesion under harsh conditions.
- Need for sustainable materials in marine and extreme environments.
- Limitations of current adhesives in terms of environmental impact and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize an environmentally friendly, catechol-functionalized cross-linking adhesive (MPCs) inspired by mussel proteins.
- To enhance interfacial adhesion through optimized solvent selection and preservation of phenolic hydroxyl groups.
- To evaluate the adhesive's performance, recyclability, damage detection capabilities, and biocompatibility.
Main Methods:
- Molecular engineering and thiol-ene click chemistry for MPCs synthesis.
- Optimization of solvent selection to maximize phenolic hydroxyl group density.
- Mechanical testing (lap shear, tensile strength) under various conditions (hot water, liquid nitrogen).
- Assessment of recyclability, photoluminescence for damage detection, and hydrolytic degradation for biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Achieved remarkable lap shear strengths of 2.13 MPa in 63 °C water and 1.75 MPa in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C).
- Demonstrated excellent recyclability with strong adhesion retained after 10 reuse cycles.
- Exhibited a tensile strength up to 48 MPa and enabled fluorescence-based damage detection via UV irradiation.
- Showcased controllable degradation through ester-linkage hydrolysis, yielding biocompatible products.
Conclusions:
- The developed MPCs offer a sustainable and high-performance adhesive solution inspired by nature.
- The adhesive is suitable for demanding applications in marine and extreme environments.
- The unique properties, including recyclability and damage detection, advance the field of bioinspired adhesives.
