Chemical Society Seminar: Dr. Herbert Waite - The dynamic wet adhesion of mussels relies on redox control

Robust adhesion to surfaces that are wet, salt-encrusted, corroded and/or fouled is not currently feasible, hence poses a huge roadblock to technological innovation in many areas. As mussel adhesion is one of several marine strategies adapted to stick to such surfaces, it represents an opportune model system for insights into how nature overcomes this roadblock. The discovery that peculiar 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (Dopa)-containing proteins dominate the wet adhesion of mussels generated much translational research though with often shocking disregard for the oxidative instability of Dopa. Mussels circumvent this instability by intricate procedures that optimize adhesive redox poise before, during, and after deposition to surfaces. The theme of this lecture is that effective bio-inspired translation of natural processes benefits from a deeper understanding of chemistry, processing, and structure at multiple length and time scales.

Bio As an undergrad in an era of insular core disciplines, I was torn between marine biology (greatest curiosity) and chemistry (greatest aptitude).  Instead of choosing one or the other, I embarked on a solitary (there were few bridges) and exciting 2-track adventure. BA (Zoology, Harvard, 1971) and PhD (Biochemistry, Duke, 1976) degrees and post-doctoral training (Copenhagen, Toronto) were important roadstops. For the past 20 years at UCSB, I’ve advised students of similar inclination in six graduate programs (Chemistry, Materials, Marine Sciences, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, and Biomolecular Science & Engineering).