Catechol-containing polymers: A biomimetic approach for creating novel adhesive and reducing polymers

Mussels adhere strongly to the surface of rocks, plastics, and other materials under seawater. Catechol moieties, which are widely found in the mussel adhesive proteins, have multiple intra- and intermolecular reactivities based on the phenolic hydroxyl groups and end amino groups and these reactivities induce strong adhesion and reductive properties. In this chapter, mussel-inspired polymers with strong adhesion and reduction properties that hold promise for a wide variety of applications have been summarized.