Abstract: A cell culturing system, methods for the preparation thereof, and methods for affixing other biologically active moieties to a substrate are provided. Said cell culturing system comprises: a substrate; a coating thereon of a sterile formulation comprising polyphenolic protein containing from about 35 to 100% by weight pure bioadhesive polyphenolic protein having the repeating decapeptide unit: ##STR1##wherein N is a whole number ranging from about 10 to about 100, wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl and hydrogen, and wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; viable cells affixed to said coated substrate; and a nutritive medium contacting said cells, whereby said cells perform normal metabolic cell functions.

Abstract: An adhesive or coating formulation useful in biomedical application and particularly well suited for use in aqueous environments is provided comprising:(1) a bioadhesive polyphenolic protein component having from about 5 to about 99 weight percent of a proteinaceous substance comprising from about 10 to about 400 of the following repeating decapeptide unit: ##STR1## in which each X is hydrogen or hydroxyl and each R is hydrogen or methyl; (2) from about 1.0 to about 40 weight percent of a cross-linking agent which promotes cross-linking of the decapeptide;(3) one or more additives which promote the desired properties of the formulation, said additives comprising at least one surfactant and being present in an amount of from 0% to about 90% by weight, and(4) a filler compatible with the intended use of the formulation, said filler being present in an amount of from 0% to about 50% by weight.