# drugs: from a slug (A. subfuscus) mucus: strong adhesives for wet surfaces

<< Adhesives that can bond strongly to biological tissues would have broad applications ranging from tissue repair and drug delivery to wound dressings and biomedical devices. However, existing tissue adhesives are far from ideal. >>

<< Achieving high adhesion energy requires the synergy of two effects. First, the adhesive should form strong bonds with the substrate. Second, materials inside either the adhesive or the substrate (or both) should dissipate energy by hysteresis. Tissue adhesives must also show compatibility with body fluids, as well as with cells and tissues. >>

AA << report the design of a family of tough adhesives for biological applications to meet those requirements. The design is inspired by a defensive mucus secreted by slugs (Arion subfuscus) that strongly adheres to wet surfaces. >>

J Li, AD Celiz, et al. Tough adhesives for diverse wet surfaces. Science  Jul 28, 2017; 357 (6349): 378-81. doi: 10.1126/science.aah6362

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/357/6349/378 

Sticky when wet: Strong adhesive for wound healing. Slug-inspired, flexible medical bio-glue sticks to wet surfaces without toxicity. Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard. July 27, 2017.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170727141508.htm