Sea creatures are a leading source to some of the more interesting discoveries in adhesives. Because sea water naturally
breaks down even the strongest conventional adhesive, an alternative is important that could be used in repairing or
fabricating anything that might have regular contact with moisture such as: Repairing broken and shattered bones,
developing a surgical adhesive, use in the dental work, repairing and building ships, and manufacturing plywood. Some
of nature's prototypes include the common mussel, limpet, some bacteria and abalone. As we learn more about these
adhesives we are also developing non adhesive fasteners, such as mimicked after studying the octopus, burdock burrs
(i.e. Velcro®) and the gecko.
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