Once it Sticks, it Never Comes Loose! Nature’s Strongest Glue

Function

Humans have invented many types of adhesives, like epoxy and acrylic glues, but adhesives also exist in the natural world. A kind of bacteria called caulobacter crescentus is found in water pipes as well as the rocky parts of rivers. These bacteria have a long, tail-like section that is extremely sticky, and is able to stick to objects even underwater. These bacteria are the strongest adhesive currently known to man, with more than twice the adhesive power of acrylic glues. One square centimeter of the bacteria can support 680kg (about 1,500lb), and an amount the size of a quarter would be enough to hang 4 cars. Furthermore, these bacteria are non-toxic to the human body.

Functional Classification

Defense/Stability:
Adhesion

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

PNAS vol.103, April 11,2006, pp 5764-5768

Technical Application

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

These bacteria could be used to create adhesives that are much stronger than any currently in use. They also work underwater, which opens up a number of applications that are impossible with conventional adhesives. Finally, because they are non-toxic, this adhesive could be used to close wounds, such as after surgery.

Proposals of Applied Industry

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