A groundbreaking "super glue for the body" has been created, harnessing the strength of mussels and common slime as its foundation.

mussels are well known for their ability to cling to the sides of ships, quickly forming a strong bond that is difficult to break. According to scientists, such characteristics would be highly desirable for a durable superglue. In a new study, researchers appear to have found a way to harness the unique ability of mussels, as reported by IFLScience.

In a new study, a team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Center for Collaborative Research aimed to develop the idea by combining a mix of slimy and sticky proteins to create a new type of superglue. The authors focused on creating a waterproof adhesive that could serve as an improved solution for wound care, surgical treatments, and infection prevention following medical procedures.

There is already a material that can flexibly adhere to objects while simultaneously reducing bacterial accumulation. This material is mucus, which forms a protective layer that settles on all surfaces of our body that are not covered by skin. It protects us from unfavorable pH, bacteria, and viruses, and makes processes such as swallowing, coughing, and sneezing more effective. Consequently, scientists wondered what would happen if they could combine the properties of mucus with the strength of the sticky slime produced by mussels.

During the study, the researchers took samples from mussel plaques and combined them with mucin proteins from pigs, as well as synthetic mucin polymers. They then tested the resulting substances to examine their gel formation and mechanical properties and evaluated them as tissue adhesives and antimicrobial coatings.

The results indicate that the researchers can precisely control the timing of gel formation, ranging from seconds to hours, depending on the molecular architecture of the polymers used. According to co-author Rainer Haag from the Free University of Berlin, he and his colleagues were able to control the rate at which the liquid thickens and adheres. The scientists also learned to perform all of this on wet surfaces, at room temperature, and under very mild conditions.

Using pig skin as a model for human skin, the researchers found that the new material is effective as an adhesive and can also prevent bacterial accumulation. This study focused on porcine mucins and solutions of synthetic polymers inspired by mucin, but the available options may change in the future.

According to another co-author of the study, George Degen, a research associate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, in the future, scientists may replicate the experiment using samples obtained from humans.

The superglue is in the early stages of development, but the team suggests that one day it could be adapted into an injection or spray that forms a sticky gel.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that could affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.