In vivo nanoscale atomic force microscopy investigation of diatom adhesion properties

Most state of the art adhesives fail to bond under wet conditions. Therefore, knowledge of the intrinsic properties of natural adhesives might give valuable information for future engineering approaches. This work investigates the adhesive that Eunotia sudetica, a species of benthic freshwater diatoms, produces to attach itself to a substrate. Atomic force spectroscopy under aqueous solution reveals the modular, self-healing properties of this natural adhesive.