Engineers Develop Innovative Medical Adhesive Inspired by Mussels and Mucus

The new bioinspired glue combines waterproof adhesion with bacteria-blocking properties, offering potential for medical and industrial applications.

Researchers from MIT and Freie Universität Berlin have created a novel adhesive that merges mussel-inspired polymers with mucus-derived proteins.
The adhesive forms a strong gel that adheres to wet surfaces while preventing bacterial buildup, making it ideal for biomedical uses.
Potential applications include coating medical implants to reduce infection risk and creating sustainable packaging materials using keratin-based alternatives.
The glue’s strength rivals commercial medical adhesives, and its bacteria-resistant properties were confirmed in laboratory tests.
The team aims to refine the adhesive for broader applications, leveraging its unique gelation and adhesion properties.