Microfluidic-like fabrication of metal ion–cured bioadhesives by mussels

• DOI: 10.1126/science.abi9702
• Publication Date: 2021-10-16T02:02:59Z
• Authors: Tobias Priemel; Gurveer Palia; Frank Förste; Franziska Jehle; Sanja Sviben; Ioanna Mantouvalou; Paul Zaslansky; Luca Bertinetti; Matthew J. Harrin...
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 0303 health sciences; Mytilus edulis; Iron; Secretory Vesicles; Microfluidics; Proteins; Biological Transport; Vanadium; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Dihydroxyphenylalanine; 03 medical and health sciences; Adhesives; Animals

Mussel mooring made mighty by metals

Mussels produce an exceptional proteinaceous adhesive so they can withstand waves and currents. Metal ions bound to modified tyrosine residues play an important role in reinforcing the adhesive. Priemel et al . brought together a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to study the cellular mechanisms involved in adhesive fabrication in mussels (see the Perspective by Wilker). They found that metal ion–rich vesicles are secreted alongside vesicles containing the adhesive protein and mix in a microfluidic-like process within interconnected microchannels found in the lateral duct of the mussel foot to create porous, adhesive plaque filaments. —MAF