Mussels, which are marine creatures, stick strongly to various substrates underwater using foot proteins rich in amino acids like L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). This stimulates the synthesis of catechol-containing polymers that possess strong underwater adhesion; consequently, the mechanism is ascribed solely to catechol functionality. However, polymers' adsorption state and hence adhesion are a function of hydration and intramolecular interactions, insights into which are lacking. Here, we investigate dilute solution behavior of polyester adhesive polymers containing linoleamide group for hydrophobicity (H) and catechol group to mimic DOPA functionality (D). Higher D unit content containing polymers hydrate more through catechol hydroxyl groups and explore a wide range of conformational space. Neither ester oxygen nor nitrogen atoms in the backbone show any hydration. Interestingly, all polymers show hydrophobic collapse with extent/structure depending upon content of H unit. Hydrophobic collapse due to enthalpic interactions and chain entropy enhancement via catechol group provide insights into polymers' un-adsorbed state.

贻贝是一种海洋生物，使用富含 L-3,4-二羟基苯丙氨酸 (DOPA) 等氨基酸的足部蛋白质在水下强烈粘附在各种基质上。这刺激了具有强水下粘附力的含儿茶酚聚合物的合成；因此，该机制仅归因于儿茶酚功能。然而，聚合物的吸附状态和粘附力是水合作用和分子内相互作用的函数，对此缺乏深入了解。在这里，我们研究了含有亚油酰胺基团的聚酯粘合剂聚合物的稀释溶液行为，用于疏水性 (H) 和邻苯二酚基团以模拟多巴功能 (D)。含有较高 D 单元的聚合物通过儿茶酚羟基水合更多，并探索广泛的构象空间。骨架中的酯氧和氮原子均未显示任何水合。有趣的是，所有聚合物都显示出疏水塌陷，其程度/结构取决于 H 单元的含量。由于邻苯二酚基团的焓相互作用和链熵增强导致的疏水性坍塌提供了对聚合物未吸附状态的深入了解。