Seeking Guidance on Developing an Adhesive Coating Formula

[renatab]

Hello,

I’m working on creating a thin, flexible adhesive coating that can stick to moist surfaces (such as the inside of the mouth) and stay in place for several hours without dissolving or breaking down. The coating also needs to:

1. Prevent friction or tearing, making it difficult to bite through
2. Be biocompatible and safe for oral use
3. Be resistant to saliva and moisture
4. Remain flexible to move with soft tissue without cracking
5. Apply as a thin, smooth layer

I’m looking for suggestions on base materials, adhesives, and formulation techniques that could meet these criteria. Any insights on film-forming agents, polymers, or barrier materials that offer durability and flexibility in a wet environment would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and expertise!

 

[3DDave]

Whatever it is that barnacles produce would be a top contender.

Example: https://news.mit.edu/2021/barnacle-glue-wound-seal-0809

 

[renatab]

Thank you for sharing this! It's truly fascinating but still in the research phase from what I see. Do you know of any similar commercially available adhesives?

 

[MintJulep]

Something derived from barnacles couldn't be used on Muslims or devote Jews.

 

[epoxybot]

Perhaps you could explore synthetic chewing gum formulations, FDA approved surfactants and/or moisture scavenging surface treatment. Maybe consider a two-step process. Localized primer and application, followed by the coating/membrane. Polyisobutylene appears to be the main component, it is insoluble and indigestible. It might be worth considering that the coating/membrane could be heated, to a comfortably acceptable temperature, if conformability is a requirement. There are a number of medical grade chewing gum patents established for drug delivery. A top shelf Polyisobutylene producer likely has starter formulas. Whether something is chewy or pliable is a matter of composition.