Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Spider web glue spins society toward new biobased adhesives

Spider web glue spins society toward new biobased adhesives

October 22, 2009

With would-be goblins and ghosts set to drape those huge fake spider webs over doorways and trees for Halloween, scientists in Wyoming are reporting on a long-standing mystery about real spider webs: It is the secret of spider web glue. The findings are an advance toward a new generation of biobased adhesives and glues - "green" glues that replace existing petroleum-based products for a range of uses. A report on the study is in the October issue of ACS' Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal.

Omer Choresh and colleagues note that much research has been done on spider web silk, which rivals steel in its strength. However, scientists know comparatively little about web glue, which coats the silk threads and is among the world's strongest biological glues. Past studies revealed that spiders make web glue from glycoproteins, or proteins bits of sugar attached.




The scientists analyzed web glue from the golden orb weaving spider, noted for spinning intricate webs. They identified two new glycoproteins in the glue and showed that domains of these proteins were produced from opposite strands of the same DNA. "Once the cloned genes are over expressed in systems such as insect or bacterial cell cultures, large-scale production of the glycoprotein can be used to develop a new biobased glue for a variety of purposes," the report notes.

American Chemical Society



Related Adhesives Current Events and Adhesives News Articles Adhesives Current Events and Adhesives News RSS Adhesives Current Events and Adhesives News RSS
Common plants can eliminate indoor air pollutants
Air quality in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces is becoming a major health concern, particularly in developed countries where people often spend more than 90% of their time indoors.

New American Chemical Society podcast: Tiny sea creature and a new medical adhesive
Scientists questing after a long-sought new medical adhesive describe copying the natural glue secreted by a tiny sea creature called the sandcastle worm in the latest episode in the American Chemical Society's (ACS) award-winning podcast series, "Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions."

Friction force differences could offer a new means for sorting and assembling nanotubes
Nanotubes and nanowires are promising building blocks for future integrated nanoelectronic and photonic circuits, nanosensors, interconnects and electro-mechanical nanodevices. But some fundamental issues remain to be resolved - among them, how to position and manipulate the tiny tubes.

Bioavailable contaminants come from the Exxon Valdez oil catastrophe
Contaminants from natural coal deposits in the Gulf of Alaska are not easily bioavailable, unlike the crude oil from the Exxon Valdez tanker catastrophe.

The invasive green mussel may inspire new forms of wet adhesion
The green mussel is known for being a notoriously invasive fouling species, but scientists have just discovered that it also has a very powerful form of adhesion in its foot, according to a recent article in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Nanotechnology may increase longevity of dental fillings
Tooth-colored fillings may be more attractive than silver ones, but the bonds between the white filling and the tooth quickly age and degrade.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery ... in brief
New web-based research has quantified the attractiveness of the female form. Using morphing software, German researchers manipulated the features of one woman into 243 variations with differing leg lengths, weights, bust sizes, and hip and waist widths.

Superglue from the sea
Sandcastle worms live in intertidal surf, building sturdy tube-shaped homes from bits of sand and shell and their own natural glue.

Persistent Man-made Chemical Pollutants Found in Deep-sea Octopods and Squids
New evidence that chemical contaminants are finding their way into the deep-sea food web has been found in deep-sea squids and octopods, including the strange-looking "vampire squid". These species are food for deep-diving toothed whales and other predators.

Maternal exposure to persistent organic pollutants linked to urologic conditions in boys
Higher incidences of congenital anomalies, including cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) and hypospadias, were found in boys whose mothers had higher serum levels of certain organochlorine compounds, researchers say.
More Adhesives Current Events and Adhesives News Articles
Gorilla Glue 50004 Adhesive, 4-Ounces

Gorilla Glue 50004 Adhesive, 4-Ounces
by Gorilla Glue

The strongest glue on the planet Earth! All-purpose waterproof glue can be used indoors or out. Bonds to wood, stone, metal, ceramic and more. Gorilla Glue cures with exposure to moisture in the wood and atmosphere; it is stainable and self-spreading. It bonds exotic and common woods, as well as ceramics, plastic, metals, stone, and much more. 100% waterproof, solvent-free, and environmentally friendly. 4 oz. bottle

Avery Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets, 9 x 12 Inches, Box of 50 (73601)

Avery Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets, 9 x 12 Inches, Box of 50 (73601)
by Avery

For quick laminating needs, these easy-to-use Laminating Sheets are the ideal tool. Each sheet is coated with self-adhesive for convenient, inexpensive lamination. Simply use the included grid to size the document, place the document on the adhesive side

3M 17003-VP-3PK Command Adhesive Large Hooks Value Pack

3M 17003-VP-3PK Command Adhesive Large Hooks Value Pack
by 3M Command

Utility hook with Command™ adhesive is quick and easy to put-up and take-down. The separate backing strip adheres firmly to flat surfaces--but will not damage wall when removed. Global Product Type: Hangers/Hooks-Hook; Hanger/Hook Type: Hook; Width: N/A; Depth: N/A.

Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants

Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants
by Edward Petrie (Author)

The Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants, 2nd Edition is primarily written to assist all those who have a permanent or temporary interest in adhesives and sealants. For those new to the field, the Handbook will provide a fundamental knowledge base of materials and processes as well as reasons why they work and (more importantly) why they don’t work. To the more experienced reader, the breadth and thoroughness of the Handbook will provide a way to reduce time spent on trial and error development or on searching for the optimal recommended process. For the academic, the Handbook will connect the important theories regarding surface science, polymeric materials, and mechanics with practical products and applications of commercial significance. This edition includes major new...

M-D Building Products 5587 Self Adhesive Door Sweep, 36 Inches, White

M-D Building Products 5587 Self Adhesive Door Sweep, 36 Inches, White
by M-D Building Products

Rigid vinyl with soft vinyl sweep. Sticks to all doors. Flexible to compensate for carpet or uneven doors. 1-1/2"H.

Glue Dots Office/Home Variety Pack Contains Permanent, Removable and Poster Dot 'n Go Applicators (85111)

Glue Dots Office/Home Variety Pack Contains Permanent, Removable and Poster Dot 'n Go Applicators (85111)
by Glue Dots International

Glue Dots adhesives bond instantly to most clean, dry surfaces, with no mess or drying time. At home or around the office, Glue Dots are the perfect adhesive, offering both permanent and removable solutions.

Use Permanent Glue Dots for a strong, lasting bond.
Quick repairs Workshop projects Mounting and framing pictures or artwork Create presentation boards Removable Glue Dots are strong, but easily removable.
Attach business cards to mailers Post bulletins Hang seasonal or party decorations Poster Glue Dots won't damage walls and they're great for:
Dorm rooms Kids' rooms Classrooms Basements Dot 'n Go applicators are the easiest, most convenient way to apply Glue Dots adhesives for office use, school projects, science fair...

KidCo Adhesive Mount Magnet Lock 4 Lock Set

KidCo Adhesive Mount Magnet Lock 4 Lock Set
by KidCo

The only magnet lock that installs without tools or drilling! Adhesive mount installation makes it ideal for any surface. Contains four locks. Key set sold separately.

Kreg KMS7723 1/2-Inch Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape

Kreg KMS7723 1/2-Inch Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape
by Kreg

The Kreg 1/2-Inch Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape fits snugly into the indentation on the topside of the Kreg Top Trak and Heavy Duty Trak aluminum extrusions, but with its self-adhesive backing, the tape can be used virtually anywhere. The metallic tape is highly scuff resistant, can be trimmed to length with household scissors, and reads right-to-left.

3M 568 Positionable Mounting Adhesive, 16 Inches x 50 Feet

3M 568 Positionable Mounting Adhesive, 16 Inches x 50 Feet
by 3M Office Products

Clean, dry, long-lasting, odorless adhesive. Allows repositioning of items to be pasted up or mounted, then applying pressure bonds permanently. Available in 50 ft long rolls, 11 in, 16 in, and 24 in wide.

Adhesion and Adhesives Technology

Adhesion and Adhesives Technology
by A. V. Pocius (Author)

This updated book provides a broad view of the field, with a consistent style, that leads you from one step to another in the understanding of the science, and includes problems for you to work in order to help build on the information presented in the text.

The text assumes that you have little or no knowledge of the science of adhesion and has also been written in such a fashion that even a person who has a meager knowledge of these subjects can learn something about adhesion science from reading this book. That is, the emphasis is on understanding the science rather than a complete and detailed exposition on any part of it.

In this new, second edition, each section or chapter starts with a simple view of the subject area, starting at the same point an entry-level textbook...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com