Sticky proteins serve as glue: mammals

The bioadhesive glues used by mammals, plants, and mussels for adherance to mucosal surfaces (mucoadhesion) are made up of sticky proteins.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Attach >
	Temporarily

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Drug delivery.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Bioadhesion may be defined as the state in which two materials, at least one of which is biological in nature, are held together for extended periods of time by interfacial forces. In the pharmaceutical sciences, when the adhesive attachment is to mucus or a mucous membrane, the phenomenon is referred to as mucoadhesion." (Smart 2005:1557)

About the inspiring organism

Mammalia
Mammalia

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Drug delivery.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Drug development

Experts

School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
John D. Smart
University of Brighton

References

Smart, J. D. 2005. The basics and underlying mechanisms of mucoadhesion. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 57(11): 1556-1568.

Sticky proteins serve as glue: mammals

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