A strong quick-release biointerface in mussels mediated by serotonergic cilia-based adhesion

• DOI: 10.1126/science.adi7401
• Publication Date: 2023-11-16T18:58:47Z
• Authors: Jenaes Sivasundar...; Lucia Youssef; Tobias Priemel; Sydney Mikulin; E. Deniz Eren; Paul Zaslansky; Franziska Jehle; Matthew J. Harrin...
• Keywords: Biointerface; Byssus; Biopolymer

The mussel byssus stem provides a strong and compact mechanically mismatched biointerface between living tissue nonliving biopolymer. Yet, in poorly understood process, mussels can simply jettison their entire byssus, rebuilding new one just hours. We characterized the structure composition of using histology, confocal Raman mapping, phase contrast-enhanced microcomputed tomography, advanced electron microscopy, revealing sophisticated junction consisting abiotic biopolymer sheets interdigitated extracellular matrix. sheet surfaces are intimate adhesive contact with billions motile epithelial cilia that control strength release through collective movement, which is regulated neurochemically. posit this may involve complex sensory pathway by sessile respond to environmental stresses relocate.