Nature’s frugal glues provide insight for optimized adhesives

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This scanning electron micrograph image shows bone glue which can help bone resist fracture and can heal itself when its bonds break. Image credit: Paul Hansma et al. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2005 (5)4:313-315.
This scanning electron micrograph image shows bone glue, which can help bone resist fracture and can heal itself when its bonds break. Image credit: Paul Hansma, et al. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2005; (5)4:313-315.

In trying to create a “glue” that would hold right up to the breaking point of the material being glued, scientists have found that such an ideal adhesive already exists—in bone, abalone shells, and spider silk, to name a few areas.


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