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Peptide- and protein- based underwater adhesives: Lessons from marine bio-adhesion
Heng Chang1, Jikang Wang2, Bingjie Hu1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory for Marine Environmental Research and Service, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
|September 18, 2025
Summary
Marine organisms utilize protein-based structures for strong underwater adhesion. This review explores natural adhesive systems and bio-inspired peptide and protein adhesives for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Marine Biology
- Adhesion Science
Background:
- Marine organisms like mussels exhibit remarkable underwater adhesion.
- The mechanisms behind this natural adhesion are not fully understood.
- Artificial underwater adhesives with comparable performance are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural protein-mediated underwater adhesive systems in marine organisms.
- To provide an overview of bio-inspired peptide- and protein-based underwater adhesives.
- To discuss applications and future challenges in underwater adhesive biomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of natural marine adhesive systems.
- Comprehensive analysis of bio-inspired underwater adhesives.
- Exploration of current and potential applications.
Main Results:
- Marine organisms employ specialized protein structures for robust underwater attachment.
- Significant research efforts are directed towards developing bio-inspired adhesives.
- These adhesives show promise across diverse application fields.
Conclusions:
- Understanding natural adhesion mechanisms is key to developing advanced biomaterials.
- Bio-inspired adhesives offer a promising alternative to synthetic underwater glues.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in developing effective underwater adhesive biomaterials.
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