Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Course
This course helps you understand how mussels manage to stick firmly to wet surfaces and how that knowledge is applied to the development of new adhesives. You will study the structure of the byssus, the chemistry of adhesive proteins and the role of DOPA and catechols, the synthetic polymers inspired by them and their potential applications in medicine, construction and the marine industry, distinguishing between uses already available and those still under research.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Course?
This short course prepares you to understand and apply one of nature's most effective solutions to wet adhesion. You will learn how the mussel forms the threads and plaques of its byssus and what gives them their mechanical properties, how foot proteins, DOPA and catechols interact with surfaces, coordinate with metals and cross-link through oxidation, why sticking in water is so difficult and how the water layer is displaced, how catechol-bearing polymers, adhesive hydrogels, polydopamine coatings and coacervate adhesives are made, and where they stand today in surgery, underwater repair and functional coatings.
What sets this course apart: a focus on wet adhesion, a classic engineering challenge; a clear chemical basis that runs from natural proteins to synthetic polymers; a wide range of applications in medicine, underwater repair and industry; a rigorous view of the real state of development of each application, including stability and cost limits; and a practical case in which you propose a bio-inspired adhesive for a specific use.
Program highlights
- A classic problem: wet adhesion, a long-standing engineering challenge.
- Clear chemical basis: from natural proteins to synthetic polymers.
- Bio-inspired materials: catechol polymers, hydrogels, polydopamine and coacervates.
- Diverse applications: medicine, underwater repair and industry.
- Rigorous view: the real state of development of each application.
- Practical case: a proposal for a bio-inspired adhesive for a specific use.
Syllabus of the Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
The mussel and its byssus
- 1.1. Mussel biology
- 1.2. Anatomy of the byssus
- 1.3. Formation of threads and plaques
- 1.4. Mechanical properties of the byssus
- 1.5. Other marine adhesive organisms
Chemistry of adhesive proteins
- 2.1. Mussel foot proteins
- 2.2. DOPA and catechols
- 2.3. Interactions with surfaces
- 2.4. Coordination with metals
- 2.5. Oxidation and cross-linking
Wet adhesion mechanisms
- 3.1. The problem of adhesion in water
- 3.2. Removing the water layer from the surface
- 3.3. Adhesion versus cohesion
- 3.4. Influence of pH
- 3.5. Adhesion tests
Bio-inspired synthetic adhesives
- 4.1. Polymers with catechol groups
- 4.2. Adhesive hydrogels
- 4.3. Polydopamine coatings
- 4.4. Coacervate adhesives
- 4.5. Stability and cost limitations
Applications and outlook
- 5.1. Tissue and surgical adhesives
- 5.2. Underwater repair and fixing
- 5.3. Functional coatings
- 5.4. State of development and market
- 5.5. Practical case: proposal for a bio-inspired adhesive
Duration and format of the Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Course
Career opportunities after the Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Course
Questions about the Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Course
There are some catechol-based products and coatings, but many applications, especially medical ones, are still under research.
A modified amino acid found in byssus proteins that is key to wet adhesion.
A grounding in general chemistry is advisable; the course explains the specific concepts.
No. It explains medical applications, but it does not replace the training or the authorizations that medical devices require.
You propose a bio-inspired adhesive for a specific use and justify its design.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at chemists and materials engineers working with adhesives and coatings, biomaterials professionals interested in tissue adhesives, marine biologists who want to explore applications of biology, industrial R&D technicians looking for wet adhesion solutions and postgraduate students interested in bio-inspired materials; a degree or technical training in chemistry, engineering, biology, pharmacy, marine sciences or a related field, or experience in materials R&D, is recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.