In Indiana, patent-pending adhesive formulations developed at Purdue University from fully sustainable, bio-based components establish bonds that grow stronger when underwater or exposed to wet conditions.
Researchers developed the formulations from zein, a protein found in corn, and tannic acid. A paper about the team’s research was published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
The adhesive formulations could be further developed and used in the restoration of coral reefs and have applications in the construction, manufacturing, biomedical, dental, food and cosmetic industries.
Researchers conducted underwater adhesive experiments on their formulations, using different surfaces and different waters, including seawater, saline solution, tap water and deionized water.
Protective skin formed on the surface of the adhesives when placed underwater, which kept water from entering the rest of the material immediately.
