Biomimetic Adhesives

During evolution a large number of very interesting materials have evolved. Examples are pearl, spider silk, self-cleaning surfaces, all of which have very interesting materials properties. In this project we look at biological adhesives. Gluing to structures or themselves to surfaces is important for a number of organisms, ranging from barnacles, to mussels and spiders. By learning from nature and using biological ways to produce components we aim at reproducing biological adhesives so that they can be used for different applications. We expect the adhesives to have properties that they could bind strongly to different surfaces, have a very high toughness, have self-repairing properties, and that they could function in wet conditions. Such biologically produced materials would not need non-renewable raw-materials. Thus, this research promotes sustainable production methods, and leads to high performance materials through biological engineering.