The team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the U.S. and the Free University of Berlin in Germany has harnessed the power of mussels and slime to create a new superglue.
Researchers have long noted the ability of mussels to quickly bond with ship surfaces in a way that is incredibly difficult to break. This prompted scientists to wonder if this unique property could be utilized in a new adhesive technology that could be invaluable for medical professionals in the future.
The Evolving Idea
In their latest study, the team combined slimy and sticky proteins to create an unprecedented superglue.
The scientists aimed to develop a waterproof and antibacterial adhesive that would become essential in surgery, wound care, and infection prevention following medical procedures.
They recalled that nature already provides a material capable of adhering tightly to surfaces while simultaneously reducing bacterial buildup: slime. It forms a protective layer on all areas of our bodies not covered by skin. Additionally, slime shields us from adverse pH levels, bacteria, and viruses, and it plays a role in processes such as swallowing, coughing, and sneezing.
Ultimately, the researchers decided to leverage the antimicrobial properties of slime and combine them with the waterproof stickiness of mussels.
How the Experiments Were Conducted
However, the first step was to investigate what could come of this idea. The team collected samples from mussel shells and combined them with mucin proteins from pigs, as well as synthetic mucin polymers.
The scientists tested the results, examining gel formation and the mechanical properties of the substances created at various stages of their work. They then evaluated them as tissue adhesives and antimicrobial coatings, as reported by IFLScience.
The researchers discovered they could precisely control the timing of gel formation, which varied from seconds to hours depending on the molecular architecture of the polymers used.
“We can control the speed at which liquids turn into gel and adhere,” said Rainer Haag, a co-author of the study. He noted that the team mastered this skill on wet surfaces, at room temperature, and under very gentle conditions. This is unique, the scientist added.
When the researchers used pig skin instead of human skin, they found that the glue not only effectively bonded surfaces but also prevented the buildup of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria—a dangerous and common culprit behind postoperative complications.
So far, the scientists have not worked with samples derived from humans. “We expect our approach to be compatible with human mucins, such as salivary mucins,” noted George Degen, a co-author of the research.
Currently, the superglue is in the early stages of development, but the authors of the study believe they will eventually adapt it for injection or as a spray that forms a sticky gel. They anticipate that this new technology will play a crucial role in enhancing patient safety during the placement of medical implants or as a dressing material for wounds to prevent infection.
The findings of the study were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.