Reusable Disinfectant Developed from Mussel “Glue”

Mimicking mussels’ natural “glue” could have multiple benefits. Many species have developed unique adaptations to help them thrive in their environments, and scientists in a field called biomimicry use these examples as the basis for tools to help humans. Biomimicry researchers have made a wide range of products, from climbing pads modeled after gecko feet to a faster, sharp-nosed bullet train based on the beak of the kingfisher bird. The animal kingdom also provides inspiration for biomedical products. For instance, scientists at Michigan Technological University in Houghton discovered that a natural “glue” produced by mussels has antimicrobial properties and are developing a way to put these properties to use. Bruce Lee, Ph.D. Credit: University Marketing and Communications, Michigan Technological University. This “glue” is a sticky amino acid that helps mussels stay attached to rocks or boats in the ocean. Bruce Lee, Ph.D. , associate professor of biomedical engineering at Michigan Tech, focuses on biomimicry, and a former doctoral student from his lab, Hao Meng, Ph.D., aimed to test how this amino acid interacts with living tissue to assess its promise as a medical adhesive. In the process, Dr. Meng discovered that when the amino acid is exposed to air, it produces hydrogen peroxide as a by-product. Drs. Lee and Meng found a synthetic compound with the same key chemical structure as the mussel-produced one and decided to develop it...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Cool-creatures Research-organisms Wound-healing Source Type: blogs