Polydopamine: a bioinspired adhesive and surface modification platform

Abstract Polydopamine is a biopolymer that is gaining widespread interest as a surface modifying agent due to its simplicity of preparation, versatility and biocompatibility. The material was first described during electrochemical studies of dopamine, but recognition of its structural similarity to key components of mussel adhesive proteins, which are able to adhere to a diverse range of surfaces in water, has led to its incorporation into a host of composite materials. This review will examine some of the emerging investigations into the complex mechanism of polydopamine formation, proposed structures and potential applications, with an emphasis on its use in biomedicine. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.