While making smart glue, a team of engineers discovered a handy byproduct: hydrogen peroxide. In microgel form, it reduces bacteria and virus ability to infect by at least 99 percent.

Hao Meng’s doctoral project focused on biocompatibility testing and pulling a sticky amino acid out of mussels. Glue-like catechol shows promise for smart adhesives — a small jolt of electricity can turn the stickiness on and off — but that’s not its only potential use.

“In the process, Meng discovered the chemical reaction generated hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of oxidation,” says Bruce Lee, associate professor of biomedical engineering and Meng’s PhD advisor at Michigan Technological University. “She started thinking, what if we could use the hydrogen peroxide?”

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Microgel Powder: Sticky catechol makes hydrogen peroxide; Safe and Dry: Storing liquid hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous, inert powder is more portable; Neutral pH: Adding a slightly buffered solution generates hydrogen peroxide; Mussel-derived: Amino acid used to make innovative adhesives; Clean and Heal: Disinfectant that boosts wound healing.