1
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Jo H, Sim S. Elastic Network of Droplets for Underwater Adhesives. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 38048531 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Functionality in biological materials arises from complex hierarchical structures formed through self-assembly processes. Here, we report a kinetically trapped self-assembly of an elastic network of liquid droplets and its utility for tough and fast-acting underwater adhesives. This complex structure was made from a one-pot mixture of scalable small-molecule precursors. Liquid-liquid phase separation accompanied by silanol hydrolysis, condensation, and zwitterionic self-association yields a viscoelastic solid with interconnected liquid droplets. These hierarchical microstructures increase toughness and enable underwater adhesion for a range of substrates, offering a platform for robust adhesives for rapid underwater repair or emergency wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuna Jo
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Seunghyun Sim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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2
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Shimokita K, Yamamoto K, Miyata N, Arima-Osonoi H, Nakanishi Y, Takenaka M, Shibata M, Yamada NL, Seto H, Aoki H, Miyazaki T. Neutron Reflectivity Study on the Suppression of Interfacial Water Accumulation between a Polypropylene Thin Film and Si Substrate Using a Silane-Coupling Agent. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:12457-12465. [PMID: 36194884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We measured the neutron reflectivity (NR) of isotactic polypropylene (PP) thin films deposited on Si substrates modified by hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) at the saturated vapor pressure of deuterated water at 25 °C and 60 °C/85% RH to investigate the effect of HMDS on the interfacial water accumulation in PP-based polymer/inorganic filler nanocomposites and metal/resin bonding materials. We found that the amount of water accumulated at the PP/Si interface decreased with increasing immersion time of the Si substrate in a solution of HMDS in hexane prior to PP film deposition. During the immersion of the Si substrate, the HMDS molecules were deposited on the Si substrate as a monolayer without aggregation. Furthermore, the coverage of the HMDS monolayer on the Si substrate increased with increasing immersion time. At 60 ° C and 85% RH, only a slight amount of interfacial water was detected after HMDS treatment for 1200 min. As a result, the maximum concentration of interfacial water was reduced to 0.1 from 0.3, where the latter corresponds to the PP film deposited on the untreated substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Shimokita
- Functional Base Products Sector, Nitto Denko Corporation, 18 Hirayama, Nakahara, Toyohashi, Aichi441-3194, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Gradual School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya466-8555, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Yamamoto
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Gradual School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya466-8555, Japan
| | - Noboru Miyata
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, 162-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, 162-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
| | - Yohei Nakanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto611-0011, Japan
| | - Mikihito Takenaka
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto611-0011, Japan
| | - Motoki Shibata
- Office of Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation, Kyoto University, Sakyou-ku, Kyoto606-8501, Japan
| | - Norifumi L Yamada
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 203-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
| | - Hideki Seto
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 203-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Aoki
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 203-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
- Materials and Life Science Division, J-PARC Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1195, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Miyazaki
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, 162-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
- Office of Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation, Kyoto University, Sakyou-ku, Kyoto606-8501, Japan
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3
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Amarpuri G, Dhopatkar N, Blackledge TA, Dhinojwala A. Molecular Changes in Spider Viscid Glue As a Function of Relative Humidity Revealed Using Infrared Spectroscopy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3354-3360. [PMID: 35894694 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spider aggregate glue can absorb moisture from the atmosphere to reduce its viscosity and become tacky. The viscosity at which glue adhesion is maximized is remarkably similar across spider species, even though that viscosity is achieved at very different relative humidity (RH) values matching their diverse habitats. However, the molecular changes in the protein structure and the bonding state of water (both referred to here as molecular structure) with respect to the changes in RH are not known. We use attenuated total reflectance-infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy to probe the changes in the molecular structure of glue as a function of RH for three spider species from different habitats. We find that the glue retains bound water at lower RH and absorbs liquid-like water at higher RH. The absorption of liquid-like water at high RH plasticizes the glue and explains the decrease in glue viscosity. The changes to protein conformations as a function RH are either subtle or not detectable by IR spectroscopy. Importantly, the molecular changes are reversible over multiple cycles of RH change. Further, separation of glue constituents results in a different humidity response as compared to pristine glue, supporting the standing hypothesis that the glue constituents have a synergistic association that makes spider glue a functional adhesive. The results presented in this study provide further insights into the mechanism of the humidity-responsive adhesion of spider glue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Amarpuri
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Nishad Dhopatkar
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Todd A Blackledge
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
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4
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Shimokita K, Yamamoto K, Miyata N, Nakanishi Y, Ogawa H, Takenaka M, Yamada NL, Miyazaki T. Investigation of Interfacial Water Accumulation between Polypropylene Thin Film and Si Substrate by Neutron Reflectivity. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:14550-14557. [PMID: 34865493 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We performed neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements of isotactic polypropylene (PP) thin films deposited on a Si substrate at the saturated vapor pressure of deuterated water to investigate interfacial water accumulation between the PP and metal surfaces in PP-based polymer/inorganic filler nanocomposites and metal/resin bonding materials. The PP thin films prepared on a Si substrate by a spin-coating technique were adequate as a model system for the PP/metal interface in these materials. A water-rich layer with a maximum water concentration of 0.5, which was considerably higher than those reported in previous studies of organic/inorganic interfaces, was observed within a width of approximately 3 nm at the interface under saturated vapor conditions. This could be attributed to the weak interaction between the PP thin film and the Si substrate. The pathway of moisture transport to the interfacial region was along the interface rather than through the PP film because the hydrophobic PP thin film does not entirely swell with water vapor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Shimokita
- Functional Base Products Sector, Nitto Denko Corporation, 18 Hirayama, Nakahara, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-3194, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Gradual School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Yamamoto
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Gradual School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Noboru Miyata
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, 162-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan
| | - Yohei Nakanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ogawa
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Mikihito Takenaka
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Norifumi L Yamada
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 203-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Miyazaki
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, 162-1 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan
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5
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Nyarko A, Singla S, Barton HA, Dhinojwala A. Spectroscopic Identification of Peptide Chemistry in the Caulobacter crescentus Holdfast. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3508-3516. [PMID: 32844640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium Caulobacter crescentus is known to attach irreversibly to underwater surfaces by utilizing an adhesive structure called the holdfast, which exhibits the greatest known adhesive strength of any organism. The very small size of the holdfast (∼400 nm wide and ∼40 nm high) has made direct chemical analysis difficult, and its structure remains poorly understood. In this study, we employ spectroscopic techniques, including attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, to probe holdfast chemistry. The data indicate the presence of a peptide signal within the holdfast polymer. By comparing the ATR-IR spectrum of the holdfast to peptidoglycan spectra from other bacterial species, we demonstrate the similarity of the holdfast chemistry to that of peptidoglycan, suggesting peptide cross-linking may play a role in holdfast architecture. To probe the molecular groups at the interface, surface-sensitive sum frequency generation spectroscopy was used to show that aromatic and hydroxyl groups related to this protein content at the adhesive interface could be playing a crucial role in adhesion. On the basis of these results, we propose a model of the holdfast architecture with similarities to the peptide cross-linking observed in the peptidoglycan polymer of the bacterial cell wall. These results not only provide information about the development of adhesives that could be based on holdfast chemical architecture but also reveal a potentially yet unexplored biosynthetic pathway in holdfast synthesis that has not yet been revealed by genetic approaches, thereby opening up a potentially new avenue of research in holdfast synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Nyarko
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Saranshu Singla
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Hazel A Barton
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
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6
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Kong D, Zhang Q, You J, Cheng Y, Hong C, Chen Z, Jiang T, Hao T. Adhesion loss mechanism based on carboxymethyl cellulose-filled hydrocolloid dressings in physiological wounds environment. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 235:115953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.115953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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7
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Loginov M, Doudiès F, Hengl N, Pignon F, Gésan-Guiziou G. Influence of membrane resistance on swelling and removal of colloidal filter cake after filtration pressure release. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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8
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Humidity-tolerant rate-dependent capillary viscous adhesion of bee-collected pollen fluids. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1379. [PMID: 30914654 PMCID: PMC6435648 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a two-phase adhesive fluid recovered from pollen, which displays remarkable rate tunability and humidity stabilization at microscopic and macroscopic scales. These natural materials provide a previously-unknown model for bioinspired humidity-stable and dynamically-tunable adhesive materials. In particular, two immiscible liquid phases are identified in bioadhesive fluid extracted from dandelion pollen taken from honey bees: a sugary adhesive aqueous phase similar to bee nectar and an oily phase consistent with plant pollenkitt. Here we show that the aqueous phase exhibits a rate-dependent capillary adhesion attributed to hydrodynamic forces above a critical separation rate. However, the performance of this adhesive phase alone is very sensitive to humidity due to water loss or uptake. Interestingly, the oily phase contributes scarcely to the wet adhesion. Rather, it spreads over the aqueous phase and functions as a barrier to water vapor that tempers the effects of humidity changes and stabilizes the capillary adhesion.
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9
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Jain D, Amarpuri G, Fitch J, Blackledge TA, Dhinojwala A. Role of Hygroscopic Low Molecular Mass Compounds in Humidity Responsive Adhesion of Spider’s Capture Silk. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:3048-3057. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dharamdeep Jain
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
| | - Gaurav Amarpuri
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
| | - Jordan Fitch
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
| | - Todd. A. Blackledge
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3908, United States
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
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10
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Hygroscopic compounds in spider aggregate glue remove interfacial water to maintain adhesion in humid conditions. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1890. [PMID: 29789602 PMCID: PMC5964112 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04263-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesion in humid environments is fundamentally challenging because of the presence of interfacial bound water. Spiders often hunt in wet habitats and overcome this challenge using sticky aggregate glue droplets whose adhesion is resistant to interfacial failure under humid conditions. The mechanism by which spider aggregate glue avoids interfacial failure in humid environments is still unknown. Here, we investigate the mechanism of aggregate glue adhesion by using interface-sensitive spectroscopy in conjunction with infrared spectroscopy. We demonstrate that glycoproteins act as primary binding agents at the interface. As humidity increases, we observe reversible changes in the interfacial secondary structure of glycoproteins. Surprisingly, we do not observe liquid-like water at the interface, even though liquid-like water increases inside the bulk with increasing humidity. We hypothesize that the hygroscopic compounds in aggregate glue sequester interfacial water. Using hygroscopic compounds to sequester interfacial water provides a novel design principle for developing water-resistant synthetic adhesives. Spider aggregate glue avoids failure in humid environments but the fundamental mechanism behind it is still unknown. Here, the authors demonstrate that humidity-dependent structural changes of glycoproteins and sequestering of liquid water by low molecular mass compounds prevents adhesion failure of the glue in humid environments.
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11
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Opell BD, Jain D, Dhinojwala A, Blackledge TA. Tuning orb spider glycoprotein glue performance to habitat humidity. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:221/6/jeb161539. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.161539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Orb-weaving spiders use adhesive threads to delay the escape of insects from their webs until the spiders can locate and subdue the insects. These viscous threads are spun as paired flagelliform axial fibers coated by a cylinder of solution derived from the aggregate glands. As low molecular mass compounds (LMMCs) in the aggregate solution attract atmospheric moisture, the enlarging cylinder becomes unstable and divides into droplets. Within each droplet an adhesive glycoprotein core condenses. The plasticity and axial line extensibility of the glycoproteins are maintained by hygroscopic LMMCs. These compounds cause droplet volume to track changes in humidity and glycoprotein viscosity to vary approximately 1000-fold over the course of a day. Natural selection has tuned the performance of glycoprotein cores to the humidity of a species' foraging environment by altering the composition of its LMMCs. Thus, species from low-humidity habits have more hygroscopic threads than those from humid forests. However, at their respective foraging humidities, these species' glycoproteins have remarkably similar viscosities, ensuring optimal droplet adhesion by balancing glycoprotein adhesion and cohesion. Optimal viscosity is also essential for integrating the adhesion force of multiple droplets. As force is transferred to a thread's support line, extending droplets draw it into a parabolic configuration, implementing a suspension bridge mechanism that sums the adhesive force generated over the thread span. Thus, viscous capture threads extend an orb spider's phenotype as a highly integrated complex of large proteins and small molecules that function as a self-assembling, highly tuned, environmentally responsive, adhesive biomaterial. Understanding the synergistic role of chemistry and design in spider adhesives, particularly the ability to stick in wet conditions, provides insight in designing synthetic adhesives for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent D. Opell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Dharamdeep Jain
- Department of Polymer Science, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- Department of Polymer Science, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Todd A. Blackledge
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
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12
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Amarpuri G, Zhang C, Blackledge TA, Dhinojwala A. Adhesion modulation using glue droplet spreading in spider capture silk. J R Soc Interface 2018; 14:rsif.2017.0228. [PMID: 28490605 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Orb web spiders use sticky capture spiral silk to retain prey in webs. Capture spiral silk is composed of an axial fibre of flagelliform silk covered with glue droplets that are arranged in a beads-on-a-string morphology that allows multiple droplets to simultaneously extend and resist pull off. Previous studies showed that the adhesion of capture silk is responsive to environmental humidity, increasing up to an optimum humidity that varied among different spider species. The maximum adhesion was hypothesized to occur when the viscoelasticity of the glue optimized contributions from glue spreading and bulk cohesion. In this study, we show how glue droplet shape during peeling contributes significantly to capture silk adhesion. Both overspreading and underspreading of glue droplets reduces adhesion through changes in crack propagation and failure regime. Understanding the mechanism of stimuli-responsive adhesion of spider capture silk will lead to new designs for smarter adhesives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Amarpuri
- Department of Polymer Science, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Ci Zhang
- Department of Polymer Science, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Todd A Blackledge
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- Department of Polymer Science, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
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13
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Nyarko A, Barton H, Dhinojwala A. Scaling down for a broader understanding of underwater adhesives - a case for the Caulobacter crescentus holdfast. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:9132-9141. [PMID: 27812588 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm02163h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The adhesion of two materials in the presence of water is greatly impeded by a boundary layer of water between the adhesive and the adherend, resulting in adhesive failure of most synthetic adhesives; however, life evolved first in water and there are many aquatic organisms that have to overcome this impediment to underwater adhesion. For example, multicellular aquatic organisms like the mussel, sandcastle worm and the caddisfly larva employ well-studied adhesive mechanisms for sticking in the presence of water. Unicellular organisms such as bacteria also make use of various means for attaching to surfaces, within similar environmental conditions. Prominent among them is the aquatic bacteria, Caulobacter crescentus which utilizes a unique adhesive secretion, the holdfast, to adhere strongly in the presence of water. Here we review the attachment mechanisms of some multicellular aquatic organisms and compare the similarities and differences in the composition and structure of the C. crescentus holdfast, which holds promise as a potential source for bio-inspired synthetic underwater adhesives with prospective applications in medicine, engineering and biomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Nyarko
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3909, USA.
| | - Hazel Barton
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3909, USA.
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14
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Amarpuri G, Zhang C, Diaz C, Opell BD, Blackledge TA, Dhinojwala A. Spiders Tune Glue Viscosity to Maximize Adhesion. ACS NANO 2015; 9:11472-8. [PMID: 26513350 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b05658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion in humid conditions is a fundamental challenge to both natural and synthetic adhesives. Yet, glue from most spider species becomes stickier as humidity increases. We find the adhesion of spider glue, from five diverse spider species, maximizes at very different humidities that matches their foraging habitats. By using high-speed imaging and spreading power law, we find that the glue viscosity varies over 5 orders of magnitude with humidity for each species, yet the viscosity at maximal adhesion for each species is nearly identical, 10(5)-10(6) cP. Many natural systems take advantage of viscosity to improve functional response, but spider glue's humidity responsiveness is a novel adaptation that makes the glue stickiest in each species' preferred habitat. This tuning is achieved by a combination of proteins and hygroscopic organic salts that determines water uptake in the glue. We therefore anticipate that manipulation of polymer-salts interaction to control viscosity can provide a simple mechanism to design humidity responsive smart adhesives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brent D Opell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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15
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Tan KT, White CC, Hunston D, Gorham JM, Imburgia MJ, Forster AM, Vogt BD. Role of salt on adhesion of an epoxy/aluminum (oxide) interface in aqueous environments. POLYM ENG SCI 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/pen.24186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bryan D. Vogt
- Department of Polymer EngineeringUniversity of AkronAkron Ohio
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16
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Jain D, Zhang C, Cool LR, Blackledge TA, Wesdemiotis C, Miyoshi T, Dhinojwala A. Composition and Function of Spider Glues Maintained During the Evolution of Cobwebs. Biomacromolecules 2015; 16:3373-80. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dharamdeep Jain
- Department
of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
| | - Ci Zhang
- Department
of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
| | - Lydia Rose Cool
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3601, United States
| | - Todd A. Blackledge
- Department
of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3908, United States
| | - Chrys Wesdemiotis
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3601, United States
| | - Toshikazu Miyoshi
- Department
of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- Department
of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
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17
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White C, Tan KT, Hunston D, Steffens K, Stanley DL, Satija SK, Akgun B, Vogt BD. Mechanisms of criticality in environmental adhesion loss. SOFT MATTER 2015; 11:3994-4001. [PMID: 25893710 DOI: 10.1039/c4sm02725f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Moisture attack on adhesive joints is a long-standing scientific and engineering problem. A particularly interesting observation is that when the moisture level in certain systems exceeds a critical concentration, the bonded joint shows a dramatic loss of strength. The joint interface plays a dominant role in this phenomenon; however, why a critical concentration of moisture exists and what role is played by the properties of the bulk adhesive have not been adequately addressed. Moreover if the interface is crucial, the local water content near the interface will help elucidate the mechanisms of criticality more than the more commonly examined bulk water concentration in the adhesive. To gain a detailed picture of this criticality, we have combined a fracture mechanics approach to determine joint strength with neutron reflectivity, which provides the moisture distribution near the interface. A well-defined model system, silica glass substrates bonded to a series of polymers based on poly(n-alkyl methacrylate), was utilized to probe the role of the adhesive in a systematic manner. By altering the alkyl chain length, the molecular structure of the polymer can be systematically changed to vary the chemical and physical properties of the adhesive over a relatively wide range. Our findings suggest that the loss of adhesion is dependent on a combination of the build-up of the local water concentration near the interface, interfacial swelling stresses resulting from water absorption, and water-induced weakening of the interfacial bonds. This complexity explains the source of criticality in environmental adhesion failure and could enable design of adhesives to minimize environmental failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher White
- Materials and Structural Systems Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
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Ubiquitous distribution of salts and proteins in spider glue enhances spider silk adhesion. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9030. [PMID: 25761668 PMCID: PMC4357010 DOI: 10.1038/srep09030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern orb-weaving spiders use micron-sized glue droplets on their viscid silk to retain prey in webs. A combination of low molecular weight salts and proteins makes the glue viscoelastic and humidity responsive in a way not easily achieved by synthetic adhesives. Optically, the glue droplet shows a heterogeneous structure, but the spatial arrangement of its chemical components is poorly understood. Here, we use optical and confocal Raman microscopy to show that salts and proteins are present ubiquitously throughout the droplet. The distribution of adhesive proteins in the peripheral region explains the superior prey capture performance of orb webs as it enables the entire surface area of the glue droplet to act as a site for prey capture. The presence of salts throughout the droplet explains the recent Solid-State NMR results that show salts directly facilitate protein mobility. Understanding the function of individual glue components and the role of the droplet's macro-structure can help in designing better synthetic adhesives for humid environments.
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Suresh V, Madapusi S, Krishnamoorthy S. Hierarchically built hetero-superstructure arrays with structurally controlled material compositions. ACS NANO 2013; 7:7513-7523. [PMID: 23909771 DOI: 10.1021/nn400963a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Hierarchical assemblies are repeatedly encountered in nature, and when replicated in synthetic patterns and materials, can enhance their functionality or impart multifunctionality. In order to assemble a hierarchical superstructure that consists of components made up of multiple nanostructures, control over placement and stoichiometry is desirable. Macroscopic arrays that present up to three levels of hierarchy are demonstrated here and are achieved using the self-assembly of soft, collapsible block copolymer nanospheres for the first two levels, followed by directed self-assembly of metal nanospheres for the third. The fabrication approach combines advantages of soft sphere self-assembly to yield non-close-packed and variable array pitch values, with the inherent chemical functionality presented by the polymer-based soft spheres; these assemblies can then be transformed into a range of different materials, including metal or semiconductor nanostructures, or further tailored with an additional level of complexity. Structural investigation shows the superstructure formation to be governed by generic design rules that can be extended across different material combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Suresh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore , Blk E5, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117576, Singapore
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Soleimani M, Haley JC, Lau W, Winnik MA. Effect of Hydroplasticization on Polymer Diffusion in Poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) and Poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-tert-butyl methacrylate) Latex Films. Macromolecules 2009. [DOI: 10.1021/ma9020483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Soleimani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3E5
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Jeffrey C. Haley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Willie Lau
- Dow Advanced Materials, The Dow Chemical Company, 727 Norristown Road, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477
| | - Mitchell A. Winnik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3E5
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
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Karul A, Tan KT, White CC, Hunston DL, Marshall ST, Akgun B, Satija SK, Soles CL, Vogt BD. Impact of polymer modulus/chain mobility on water accumulation at polymer/metal oxide interfaces. POLYMER 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2009.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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