Development of a suite of tunable protein-based adhesives for defence-focussed materials engineering applications

This PhD study aims to exploit Engineering Biology to develop adhesive biomaterials, addressing limitations of fossil fuel-based adhesives in terms of durability and environmental impact. The study will develop protein-based adhesives for bonding challenging materials like plastics (e.g. PTFE/polycarbonate/polyethylene), silicon, glass and ceramics.

Conventional adhesives rely on specialized combinations requiring intricate surface preparation, and often degrade or delaminate over time.

The intended bioadhesives aim to eliminate the need for complex cleaning and priming processes while overcoming challenges of durability and differences in wetting and thermal expansion rates of bonded materials.

Furthermore, the ability of these adhesives to both cure and remain adhered underwater will be investigated, offering a unique advantage.

Microbes will be identified that use functional amyloid peptides for adhesion and biofilm formation, which in turn will be engineered to create a suite of novel, tunable and multifunctional bioadhesives for effective bonding without the drawbacks associated with traditional adhesives.