U.S. researchers develop a new multi-purpose coating technology

US researchers recently developed a simple and inexpensive coating technology. This technique mimics the stickiness of mucus and can coat almost anything from catheters to contact lenses.

The research team led by Philip MacArthur, a professor of bioengineering at Northwestern University, has been studying the viscosity of apes and geckos for many years. They dissolved a substance called dopamine in a beaker full of water and adjusted the pH of the water to about 8.5, which is the same as seawater. Put another object into the water. After a few hours, this object is covered with a layer of polydopamine film.

In the test, this polymer can be bonded to 25 different substances such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), cellulose and acrylic resins. This shows that compared with many existing coating materials, this bio-inspired coating technology has become more widely used.

Messmer Smith said: “When you put an ipod music player in dopamine solution, a polydopamine film forms on the surface. Then, it is taken out and put into a solution of metallic silver to form a silver film on the surface. This method is simple and its use is wide and surprising."

According to Messer Smith, the use of this technology can be used to cover medical devices implanted inside the human body that are prone to cause infections, as well as to coat hulls, oil rigs and other underwater equipment with an anti-fouling layer. This film can even be used in electronic products because it is electrically conductive in addition to being tacky. The film also has affinity with certain heavy metals, so it can be used to remove mercury, lead, and chromium from contaminated water.