Mussels Could Hold Key to Improvements in Dental Implantology
Researchers at Institute of Organic Chemistry at the Justus Liebig University Gießen develop synthetic compound that mimics adhesive ability of mussels
Mussel proteins are one of the strongest natural glues and are able to create strong bonds to a metal surface. The shellfish’s molecules consist of basic tripodal structures, and when combined with catechol or bisphosphonate units, creates an advanced biomimetic material that can be applied directly onto medical metals, bones or teeth. Professor Wolfgang Maison, head of the research team, believes that this coating can reduce or even prevent infections and biofouling, and engraftment of the bone can be significantly improved over current methods.
