Supramolecular Adhesives Inspired by Nature: Concept and Applications.

Abstract

Supramolecular chemistry, a relatively newly grown field, has emerged as a useful tool to fabricate novel smart materials with multiple uses. Adhesives find numerous uses, from heavy engineering to biomedical science. Adhesives are available in nature; inspired by them and their mechanism of adhesion, several supramolecular adhesives have been developed. In this review, supramolecular chemistry for the design and fabrication of novel adhesives is discussed. The discussion is divided into two segments. The first one deals with key supramolecular forces, and their implication is designing novel adhesives. In the second part, key applications of supramolecular adhesives have been discussed with suitable examples. This type of review casts light on the current advancements in the field along with the prospects of development.