Wood Glue Inspired by Mussels

Reported June 2005

CORVALLIS, Ore. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Many people look for natural or green products for their homes. But even something as natural-looking as wood furniture or cabinets can contain cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde. Now, a scientist has created a non-toxic wood adhesive. And his inspiration didn’t come from the forest. It came from the Oregon coast.

Pounding waves are no match for the mighty mussel, that produces strong, flexible threads that cling to rocks. This small shellfish inspired a big idea for wood chemist Kaichang Li, Ph.D.

"This thing is really amazing," Li, of Oregon State University in Corvallis, tells Ivanhoe. He noticed mussels secrete a unique amino acid called dihydroxyphenylalanine. He found a way to add that amino acid to soy flour -- a product that's rich in protein, plentiful and non-toxic.

"Now the soy protein becomes a really good, very strong adhesive," Li says, wood glue so strong that plywood made with it stays stuck even after hours of boiling.

Oregon State University licensed the new glue to a plywood manufacturer who then sells the wood to furniture and cabinet makers.

Rick Fields, President of Neil Kelly Cabinets in Portland, Ore., says: "We're very excited about it. It's going to add a whole new dimension to our green and healthy approach to cabinet making." He is confident the new glue is safer for customers and says it shouldn't add to the cost of the cabinets.

Consumers can often smell the formaldehyde in products containing adhesives, but there's no difference in how they look -- so you should be sure to ask the manufacturer if you want a wood product made with formaldehyde-free glue.

Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:

David Stauth
PAO
Oregon State University
(541) 737-0787



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