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Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Mussel-Inspired Adhesives
The Course in Mussel-Inspired Adhesives Prepares you to understand how mussels stick firmly to wet surfaces and how that knowledge is being used to develop new adhesives. You will study the structure of the byssus, the chemistry o
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Mussel-Inspired Adhesives?
The Course in Mussel-Inspired Adhesives
Prepares you to understand how mussels stick firmly to wet surfaces and how that knowledge is being used to develop new adhesives. You will study the structure of the byssus, the chemistry of adhesive proteins and the role of DOPA and catechols, the synthetic polymers inspired by them, and their potential applications in medicine, construction and the marine industry, distinguishing between uses already available and those still under research.
Key advantages
- A classic problem: Wet adhesion, a long-standing engineering challenge.
- Clear chemical grounding: From natural proteins to synthetic polymers.
- Diverse applications: Medicine, underwater repair and industry.
- A rigorous view: The real development status of each application.
- Case study: Proposing a bio-inspired adhesive for a specific use.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Know the byssus: Understand the structure and function of the mussel byssus.
- Understand the chemistry: Explain the role of DOPA and catechols.
- Explore the materials: Learn about bio-inspired adhesive polymers.
- Assess applications: Analyse uses in medicine and industry.
- Boost your career: Open doors in adhesives and biomaterials R&D.
- Train to create adhesives that work underwater.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
The Mussel and its Byssus
- Mussel biology
- Anatomy of the byssus
- Formation of threads and plaques
- Mechanical properties of the byssus
- Other adhesive marine organisms
02
Chemistry of Adhesive Proteins
- Mussel foot proteins
- DOPA and catechols
- Interactions with surfaces
- Metal coordination
- Oxidation and cross-linking
03
Wet Adhesion Mechanisms
- The problem of adhesion in water
- Displacing the water layer
- Adhesion versus cohesion
- The influence of pH
- Adhesion testing
04
Bio-Inspired Synthetic Adhesives
- Catechol-functionalised polymers
- Adhesive hydrogels
- Polydopamine coatings
- Coacervate adhesives
- Stability and cost limitations
05
Applications and Outlook
- Tissue and surgical adhesives
- Underwater repair and fixing
- Functional coatings
- Development status and market
- Case study: proposing a bio-inspired adhesive
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Chemists and materials engineers: working with adhesives and coatings Biomaterials professionals: interested in tissue adhesives Marine biologists: who want to explore applications of biology Industrial R&D technicians: looking for wet adhesion solutions Postgraduate students: interested in bio-inspired materials
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Describe the byssus
- 02Understand adhesive chemistry
- 03Explain wet adhesion
- 04Know bio-inspired polymers
- 05Evaluate applications
- 06Design a proposal
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Adhesives R&D technician: Developing formulations in the chemical industry.
02Biomaterials specialist: Adhesives for medical applications.
03Coatings technician: Functional surfaces and adhesion.
04Researcher: Bio-inspired materials projects.
Questions
Entry Requirements
There are some catechol-based products and coatings, but many applications, especially medical ones, are still under research.
A modified amino acid found in byssus proteins that is key to wet adhesion.
A grounding in general chemistry helps; the course explains the specific concepts.
No. It covers medical applications but does not replace the training or authorisations required.
You outline a bio-inspired adhesive for a specific use and justify its design.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Course in Mussel-Inspired Adhesives qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A degree or technical training in chemistry, engineering, biology, pharmacy, marine science or a related field; or experience in materials R&D. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.