The value and applications of adhesives are almost limitless in daily human existence. The bioadhesives synthesized and secreted by barnacles, unlike most man-made adhesives, forms bonds under water. This characteristic may prove useful in dental, medical, mariculture, building and construction, and other industrial applications. We have collected samples of an adhesive secretion from local barnacles held in sea water culture in our laboratory. The application of both standard and innovative adhesion tests will advance our knowledge of the mechanical and chemical interactions that occur at the interface of various substrates and this adhesive secretion under water. Electrophoretic and chromatographic components of the barnacle adhesive secretion that exhibit adhesive properties. Microscopic studies of barnacles will pinpoint the cells that synthesize and secrete adhesive macromolecules. Isolation and purification of the macromolecules will allow additional studies and applications of these important materials. In the future, it is reasonable to expect that genetic engineering methods will produce synthetic barnacle bioadhesives in sufficient quantities to satisfy dental, medical, household, and industrial needs. Moreover, after determining the chemical basis of adhesion of barnacle "glue", could be synthesized. The incorporation of such anti-adhesives into marine surface coatings could minimize environmental pollution and the economic impact of barnacles on the boaters, shippers, and navies of the world.
