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Chemists design extra-sticky adhesives that degrade on command

Scientists at Virginia Tech have designed two types of degradable adhesives: one made from lipoic acid that outperforms duct tape, and another with a bottlebrush polymer that is four times stronger. Both can be broken down into their original components within minutes, making them ideal for recyclable applications.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 3, 2026

Caddisfly silk gene evolves quickly without losing adhesive power

Scientists have identified the genetics of caddisflies' evolutionary superpower, which involves a gene that produces a main protein in silk. The study found remarkable heterogeneity in those genes among individuals from two nearby wild populations, highlighting how nature modifies this bioadhesive material while preserving its performa...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2026

Turning pulp-waste lignin into high-performance wood adhesives

The study reports a green ion-exchange, self-catalytic strategy for turning pulp-waste lignin into high-performance wood adhesives. The optimized LA/CA adhesive showed strong dry and wet performance, meeting Type I plywood requirements and reducing costs by up to 69.6% compared to petrochemical-based adhesives.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMay 28, 2026

Reversible glue technology goes electric

Researchers at Newcastle University have created an electrically conductive, water-based reversible adhesive that can join electronic components and allow for their reuse or recycling. This technology has the potential to address the massive problem of e-waste globally.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

Move over cassette tapes, adhesive tape has memory, too

Ordinary adhesive tape stores a sequence of multiple memories with tunable strength, allowing for simple mechanical calculations. Researchers developed an automated device to create these memories by peeling the tape past designated distances.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

Water-soluble cellulose adhesive enables strong, reusable bonding across extreme conditions

Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Scientists develop scalable ultrastrong bamboo strips through revolutionary "homogeneous fusion" technique

Scientists developed a scalable ultrastrong bamboo strip through homogeneous fusion, achieving 942 MPa tensile strength and 32.1 GPa Young's modulus. The material demonstrates exceptional durability, biodegradability, and practical scalability for various industries.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2026

Programmable ‘smart stamp’ transfers microscopic chips to build 3D circuits

Researchers develop programmable system to selectively pick up and place delicate electronic components, enabling mass production of defect-free displays and 3D microchips. The 'smart stamp' technology uses localized heating to control a polymer's stickiness, allowing precise transfer of semiconductor chips and other materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 24, 2026

Stopping fatal blood loss with clay

Developing a lifesaving device that can stop fatal blood loss in seconds, researchers at Texas A&M University have made significant breakthroughs. By using clay minerals and nano-silicate particles, the team has created injectable hemostatic bandages that reduce bleeding time by nearly 70%.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 18, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop novel eco-friendly and photo-switchable smart adhesives

Jeonbuk National University researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly, and photo-switchable smart adhesive using biomass-derived materials. The adhesive demonstrates reversible light-controlled adhesion and retains over 90% of its original strength after repeated usage cycles.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2025

A bioadhesive sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix offers a new way to stop internal bleeding

Researchers developed a composite bioabsorbable hemostatic sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix. The sponge quickly absorbs blood and firmly adheres to tissues, enhancing hemostatic performance. It promotes wound stabilization, accelerates blood clotting, and reduces inflammation and tissue damage.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 14, 2025

SEOULTECH researchers develop smart adhesive system based on starfish for aquatic applications

Researchers from Seoul National University of Science & Technology developed a smart adhesive system based on starfish for temporary and switchable underwater adhesion. The system exhibits high adhesion hysteresis, automatic release based on outside stimuli, and quick detachment by pneumatic actuation.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

An alternative adhesive for wearable medical devices

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new type of adhesive that could improve the comfort and safety of wearable medical devices. The adhesive, made from polyelectrolyte-complex coatings, is water-based and has been shown to match the strength of commercial-grade adhesives while reducing skin irritation.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateJul 15, 2025

Promising alternative: A versatile biomacromolecules-based cage-like nanoadhesive as an optimized strategy to polymer-based adhesives for corneal transplantation

Researchers developed a novel biocompatible nanoadhesive for corneal transplantation, showcasing improved cell compatibility and antibacterial performance. The nanoadhesive demonstrates strong adhesive strength and prevents wound infection without causing necrosis.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·DateFeb 7, 2025

Emerging electronic materials for next generation soft bioelectronic applications: From material designs to devices performances

Liquid-based electronic materials offer inherent flexibility and conformability, mitigating mechanical mismatches between human tissues and electronic devices. These materials have been demonstrated in various applications such as strain sensors, touch sensors, implantable stimulators, encapsulation solutions, and adhesives.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 10, 2024

Octopus-inspired adhesive works well in wet conditions

Researchers developed an octopus-inspired adhesive with elastic, curved stalk and membrane that adheres to multiple surfaces in wet environments. The adhesive demonstrated strong attachment to complex objects and could be rapidly attached and released.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateOct 9, 2024

Adhesive comes unglued on command

A new type of mussel-inspired adhesive has been developed that can be deactivated 'on command' through oxidation, allowing for efficient repair and recycling. The biobased adhesive loses its stickiness without becoming dramatically hydrophobic, making it easier to remove.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

KAIST research team develops sweat-resistant wearable robot sensor

A KAIST research team has developed a stretchable and adhesive microneedle sensor that can detect physiological signals without being affected by sweat and dead skin. The sensor allows for long-term stable control of wearable robots, enabling precise movement recognition for rehabilitation treatments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

A KAIST team develops selective transfer printing technology for MicroLEDs​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a micro-vacuum assisted selective transfer printing (µVAST) technology to improve the transfer of microLED chips. The technology uses laser-induced etching to create micro-hole arrays on glass substrates, allowing for precise alignment and higher adhesion switchability.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2023

Reversible adhesive

A team of scientists at Newcastle University has created a novel, water-based adhesive system that can bond surfaces in the neutral pH range but can be detached again in strongly acidic or alkaline environments. The new adhesive exhibits high adhesion strength to difficult-to-bond polypropylene surfaces.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023

Solving stickiness sustainably

A team of chemists at Purdue University has created a sustainable adhesive system that uses epoxidized soy oil, malic acid, and tannic acid. The new adhesive is inexpensive, effective, scalable, practical to produce and completely sustainable.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2023