1. Mimicking nature:
Creating lasting
adhesives for
municipal
underground water
pipeline systems
through the study of
blue mussels
Elena Stachew
Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering
EMAC 376
04/24/12
www.asknature.org, 2008

2.  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

3.  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

4.  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

5.  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

6.  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

7.  Choice of polymer that meets design
requirements
 Synthesis?
 Cost
 Lifetime
Concerns

8.  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.h
tml
Sources