Technical University of Munich Develops Reusable Bio-Adhesive from Mistletoe Berries

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a high-performance, fully bio-based adhesive utilizing a natural sugar mixture derived from mistletoe berries, combined with tannic and malic acids. The new material has demonstrated effectiveness in bonding various substrates, including birch wood, stainless steel, aluminum, glass, and even Teflon.

A key feature of the adhesive is its reversibility. Bonds can be detached at approximately 90 degrees Celsius, after which the adhesive can be reactivated multiple times. This characteristic could facilitate easier repair, component replacement, and recycling of electronic devices. Furthermore, the material retained its adhesion at temperatures as low as -150 degrees Celsius, suggesting potential future applications in cryogenic and space environments.

Led by Professor Oliver Lieleg, the research team emphasizes that the technology is not yet ready for industrial-scale production. The current process relies on extracting the starting material directly from mistletoe berries, which limits scalability. The long-term goal is to identify and replicate the critical molecular mechanisms independently of the plant to enable future large-scale manufacturing.

The development of the adhesive was inspired by the natural adhesion mechanism of mistletoe seeds. The research aims to combine the creation of an effective bio-based adhesive with an understanding of the underlying principles that could allow for industrial production.