Effect of Salts on the Aggregation and Strength of Protein-Based Underwater Adhesives.

ABSTRACT: While hydrophobic underwater adhesives have often been desired for their ability to remove water from interfaces, their inherent immiscibility with water can also hinder their use. Water-based adhesive systems can lead to improved wetting, lower toxicity, and exhibit dynamic physical responses to aqueous chemistries in the environment. For protein-based adhesives, simple aqueous salts can dramatically alter the intra- and intermolecular forces driving interactions between proteins and with surfaces. Here, we investigate the effect of four main salts found in seawater, NaCl, KCl, MgCl₂, and CaCl₂ on underwater curing adhesives made from two agricultural byproduct proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and bovine α-Lactalbumin (αLa). We demonstrate that salts can signifi

SUBMITTER: Lamberty ZD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12631481 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature