Mussel-inspired Polymers: Recent Trends

A number of natural and synthetic polymers were subjected to functionalization with catechol-containing modifiers, mimicking the chemical structure of Mytilus foot proteins of marine mussel, and affording materials with specific properties that are related to their adhesion ability. This review highlights the various applications of mussel-inspired polymers, worked out within the last five years, in separation processes, hydrogels making, and biomedicals. Marine mussel-inspired polymers were fashioned either by direct synthesis from catechol-containing monomers or chemical modification of existing polymers. Mostly, the catechol units attached to the polymer matrixes are 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine and dopamine. Michael addition and/or Schiff base reaction between catechol-containing molecules units and polyamines afford efficient separative membranes. Hydrogel-making from catecholcontaining polymers can be easily realized via oxidation with oxidants and coordination with transition metal ions.