The Sticky Truth Behind Mussels’ Adhesive Power | Asian Scientist Magazine


The Sticky Truth Behind Mussels’ Adhesive Power | Asian Scientist Magazine

AsianScientist (Feb. 17, 2020) – Researchers in South Korea have revealed how mussels adhere so strongly even to wet surfaces. Their findings, which have implications for the development of waterproof glues and fouling-resistant surfaces, were published in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.

Nature is remarkably innovative in terms of producing materials with unique properties. For instance, mussels secrete a strong adhesive that allows them to attach to rocks and ship hulls, retaining its stickiness even under water.

Scientists know that the mussels’ adhesive consists of tough fibers called byssus, but it was unclear how byssus remained sticky when wet. In the present study, researchers led by Professor Cha Hyung Joon at the Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea, identified two molecules—3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) and lysine—that confer mussel ‘glue’ its powerful adhesive characteristics.

After sequencing the adhesive protein found in byssus, the researchers synthesized three simple peptides each with each different distances between dopa and lysine. They discovered that the distance between dopa and lysine had a strong influence over surface adhesion and cohesion of the peptides.

When dopa and lysine are adjacent to each other, the surface adhesion of the peptide increased greatly. On the other hand, surface cohesion decreased when lysine was flanked by dopa.

“We discovered that synergy exists between the two molecules, dopa and lysine, which are known to play important roles in underwater adhesion. With this accomplishment, we anticipate that new underwater bioadhesives can be developed,” said Cha.

The article can be found at: Shin et al. (2020) The Position of Lysine Controls the Catechol-mediated Surface Adhesion and Cohesion in Underwater Mussel Adhesion.

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Source: Pohang University of Science & Technology; Photo: Pexels.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.




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