Mimicking nature: Creating lasting

adhesives for municipal

underground water pipeline systems through the study of blue mussels

Elena StachewDepartment of Macromolecular Science and

EngineeringEMAC 37604/24/12

www.asknature.org, 2008

Adhesion to a rough mineral surface in a wet, polar environment

Lifetime: commonly 2-3 years but if low predation levels exist, up to 18-20 years3

Must withstand: Cold temperatures Continual oscillatory stress High intensity stress

Essentially, a strong, tough and durable underwater adhesive that is not water-soluble

The life of a blue mussel from a materials perspective2

Key molecule: 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) Catechol functional group

Formed by post-translational hydroxylation of tryosine residues

Intermolecular crosslinking due to oxidation gives rise to solidification of adhesive

Metal mediation through formation of complexes with unoxidized catechol functional group gives rise to strong surface adhesion

6 MPa plaque adhesive strength Impressive with the type of environment

The chemistry of the plaque2

Functionalize linear or branched polymers with DOPA, DOPA peptides or other catechol functional groups2

Example: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based polymers Serve as inert and biocompatible macromolecular

supports Potential use as injectable medical adhesives for hard/soft

tissue repair and drug delivery

Messersmith Research Group at Northwestern University believes they will commercialize an anti-fouling medical implant coating in the next 3-5 years4

Studied Applications

Large pipeline systems utilize cast iron, ductile iron, steel and concrete5

Coated for corrosion resistance: asphalt (steel), enamel, cement (iron)

Problem: Leaks Causes: Age, joining methods, water conditions

(temperature, pressure, velocity), stress from traffic vibrations, frost loads, freezing soil6

Expensive and a hassle to maintain

Municipal underground water pipelines

Meets requirements: Water-insoluble adhesive Binds well to various surfaces (DuPont)2

Withstand oscillatory stress, cold temperatures

Reduces frequency of maintenance

Lower or balanced costs

Secondary benefit: prevent biofouling7

Possible solution: mussel-inspired adhesives

Choice of polymer that meets design requirements

Synthesis?

Cost

Lifetime

Concerns

1: http://www.asknature.org/strategy/1052eed7fd56c4933871c04b65b1cafb

2: http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-matsci-062910-100429

3: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/blueplanet/factfiles/molluscs/mussel_bg.shtml

4: http://biomaterials.bme.northwestern.edu/mussel.asp

5: http://water.me.vccs.edu/concepts/material.html

6: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc/pdf/ot/tb/tb_leakdetection.pdf

7: http://library.marist.edu/diglib/EnvSci/archives/alienspe/oneillcontrol/o'neill%20-%20control%20of%20zebra%20mussels%20in%20residential%20water%20systems.html

Sources