Biological adhesives

Biological adhesives

Author
Andrew M. Smith, James A. Callow
Publication Year
2006
Publisher
Springer
Language
English
Document Type
Book
Faculty / Subject Heading
Medical Science

Many plants, animals, and microbes use adhesive polymers and structures to attach to inert substrates, to each other, or to other organisms. This is the first major review that brings together research on many of the well-known biological adhesives. Emphasizing the diversity of biological adhesives and associated adhesion processes, it deals with bacteria, fungi, algae, and marine and terrestrial animals. It bridges a variety of disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, biomechanics, bioengineering, microbiology, organism structure and function, and ultrastructure. As we learn more about the molecular and mechanical properties of these adhesives, we begin to understand why they adhere so well and how they develop cohesive strength. With this understanding comes the prospect of developing synthetic or semi-synthetic adhesives with broad applications in areas such as medicine, dentistry, and biotechnology. The book is suitable for both industrial and academic researchers.


Keywords: Biomedical and life sciences / Adhesion / Bioadhesive / Bioengineering / Biomaterials / Biomechanics / Biopolymers / Biotechnology / Glue / Mechanics / Proteins