Biofilm-Inspired Underwater Peptide Adhesives

Bio-adhesives are extensively used in biomedical applications including suture-less seal and wearable electronics, where there is a need to adhere two wet surfaces together. However, existing products, largely inspired by mussel adhesives, are expensive to produce and sensitive to environmental conditions limiting their wide application. We recently made a serendipitous discovery regarding how bacterial biofilms formed by <i>Vibrio cholerae</i>, the pathogen responsible for pandemic cholera, adheres to various surfaces using a unique short peptide. In this study, we will show a range of both biotic and biotic surfaces suitable for this biofilm-inspired glue, and the molecular mechanism underlying the adhesive property of this peptide. Finally, I will discuss about our effort in establishing a fermentation-based process to scale up the production of the peptides.