Nature's Strongest Glue

Geckos, mussels and barnacles are all well known for their ability to stick to things, but a humble and common bacterium has them beat. Caulobacter crescentus, an organism that is the first to colonize most anywhere wet (e.g., boat hulls, water pipes, medical catheters, etc.), uses an adhesive made from long sugar-based molecules called polysaccharides. Scientists knew the bond was strong, but only recently have they been able to quantify it.

The average C. crescentus required over 10,000 pounds per square inch to dislodge it from a surface. Commercial super glue gives at about 3,600 psi. The study found this to be the 'strongest ever measured for biological adhesives.' Due to its properties in a wet environment, there is hope that it, or a synthesized copy, might find a use as a surgical adhesive.

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