Current Group Member

Marine mussels (Mytilus edulis) are marine organisms that produce a protein-based adhesive plaque that anchors the organism to a surface.  The marine mussel adhesive protein contains a high concentration of the unnatural amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA).  In addition, the transition metal concentration (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) of the adhesives is 100,000 times that of ocean water.   These transition metals are thought to play a role in cross-linking the adhesive protein via chelation with the DOPA residues.   Various transition metal elements will be used to cross-link the polymers and generate an adhesive bond. Puncture-tests and lap-shear tests will then be performed to characterize the cross-linking density as well as the adhesive strength of the synthetic polymers.