Mimicking Nature

Bio-inspiration and mimicking means taking nature as example for extraordinary adhesion solutions, such as the adhesion of mussels to rocks under wet conditions in stormy seawater. Basic information on the adhesion effect can be evaluated from such natural cases. The main task is to assess if and how these bonding principles, such as catechol-based bonding, can be translated into technical or even industrial applications. This also requires replication of naturally-based substances by synthetic chemicals, to be able to produce in large quantities. This chapter summarizes the existing information on natural bonding principles, especially pointing to bonding under wet conditions, as this is also prevailing for medical applications of adhesives.