Elucidating the Chemical Mechanisms for Adhesion: Towards New Biopolymeric Adhesives

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This award is made by the Divisions of Chemistry, Materials Research and Molecular and Cellular Biology under the Materials Synthesis and Processing Initiative. The broad goal of the research is to understand the conformations and surface interactions of biomolecules at condensed phase interfaces, and the chemical mechanisms of bioadhesion. The specific goals are to understand the interactions between adhesive peptides and surfaces and to use these insights to synthesize and characterize new biocompatible polypeptides having enhanced adhesive and elastic properties. The focus of the work will be on peptides related to the repeating decapeptide that comprises mussel adhesive protein (MAP). The results will be applied to the design of new materials consisting of adhesive and elastic polypeptide sequences. These adhesives are also expected to be biocompatible and stable in vivo, providing a valuable new class of materials for use in medical and bioanalytical applications. %%% This research will provide new insights into the relationships between peptide and protein primary structure; into the chemical interactions governing biopolymer adhesion and folding at surfaces; and in the development of novel biocompatible adhesives with optimized mechanical properties.