Chemist Jonathan Wilker from Purdue University focuses his research on this cement that allows oysters to attach to surfaces and each other, even throughout storms. Wilker's team also studies mussel glue, which is less strong compared to oyster glue, but has the same ability to set underwater. To evaluate the strength of these marine adhesives, Wilker and his team use an Instron electromechanical testing system.
Credit: Jonathan Wilker of Purdue University, NSF
Wilker is passionate about his findings because he knows how they may advance the biomedical world's development of surgical adhesives to seal body tissue and bone while a patient undergoes surgery.