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Inoue T, Hara Y, Nakazato K. Mechanical Resistance of the Largest Denticle on the Movable Claw of the Mud Crab. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:602. [PMID: 38132541 PMCID: PMC10742142 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8080602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Decapod crustaceans have tooth-like white denticles that are present only on the pinching side of the claws. In the mud crab, Scylla serrata, a huge denticle exists on the movable finger of the dominant claw. This is mainly used to crush the shells of the crab's staple food. The local mechanical properties, hardness (HIT) and elastic modulus (Er), of the peak and valley areas of the largest denticle were examined via a nanoindentation test. The microstructure and elemental composition were characterized using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The striation patterns originating from a twisted plywood structure parallel to the surface were visible over the entire denticle. Most of the largest denticle was occupied by a hard area without phosphorus, and there was a soft layer corresponding to the endocuticle with phosphorus in the innermost part. The HIT of the denticle valley was about 40% lower than that of the denticle peak, and the thickness of the soft endocuticle of the denticle valley was five times thicker than that of the denticle peak. The HIT-Er map showed that the abrasion resistance of the denticle surface was vastly superior and was in the top class among organisms. The claw denticles were designed with the necessary characteristics in the necessary places, as related to the ecology of the mud crab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadanobu Inoue
- National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan; (Y.H.); (K.N.)
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2
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Ball V, Hirtzel J, Leks G, Frisch B, Talon I. Experimental Methods to Get Polydopamine Films: A Comparative Review on the Synthesis Methods, the Films' Composition and Properties. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200946. [PMID: 36758219 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
In 2007, polydopamine (PDA) films were shown to be formed spontaneously on the surface of all known classes of materials by simply dipping those substrates in an aerated dopamine solution at pH = 8.5 in the presence of Tris(hydroxymethyl) amino methane buffer. This universal deposition method has raised a burst of interest in surface science, owing not only to the universality of this water based one pot deposition method but also to the ease of secondary modifications. Since then, PDA films and particles are shown to have applications in energy conversion, water remediation systems, and last but not least in bioscience. The deposition of PDA films from aerated dopamine solutions is however a slow and inefficient process at ambient temperature with most of the formed material being lost as a precipitate. This incited to explore the possibility to get PDA and related films based on other catecholamines, using other oxidants than dissolved oxygen and other deposition methods. Those alternatives to get PDA and related films are reviewed and compared in this paper. It will appear that many more investigations are required to get better insights in the relationships between the preparation method of PDA and the properties of the obtained coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ball
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, 8 rue Sainte Elisabeth, Strasbourg, 67000, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, Strasbourg, 670000, France
| | - Jordana Hirtzel
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, 8 rue Sainte Elisabeth, Strasbourg, 67000, France
- 3Bio Team, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, Cedex, F-67401, France
| | - Guillaume Leks
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, Strasbourg, 670000, France
- 3Bio Team, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, Cedex, F-67401, France
| | - Benoît Frisch
- 3Bio Team, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, Cedex, F-67401, France
| | - Isabelle Talon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, Strasbourg, 670000, France
- Service de Chirurgie Pédiatrique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 rue Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France
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Zhong J, Huang W, Zhou H. Multifunctionality in Nature: Structure-Function Relationships in Biological Materials. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:284. [PMID: 37504172 PMCID: PMC10807375 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8030284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern material design aims to achieve multifunctionality through integrating structures in a diverse range, resulting in simple materials with embedded functions. Biological materials and organisms are typical examples of this concept, where complex functionalities are achieved through a limited material base. This review highlights the multiscale structural and functional integration of representative natural organisms and materials, as well as biomimetic examples. The impact, wear, and crush resistance properties exhibited by mantis shrimp and ironclad beetle during predation or resistance offer valuable inspiration for the development of structural materials in the aerospace field. Investigating cyanobacteria that thrive in extreme environments can contribute to developing living materials that can serve in places like Mars. The exploration of shape memory and the self-repairing properties of spider silk and mussels, as well as the investigation of sensing-actuating and sensing-camouflage mechanisms in Banksias, chameleons, and moths, holds significant potential for the optimization of soft robot designs. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of mussel and gecko adhesion mechanisms can have a profound impact on medical fields, including tissue engineering and drug delivery. In conclusion, the integration of structure and function is crucial for driving innovations and breakthroughs in modern engineering materials and their applications. The gaps between current biomimetic designs and natural organisms are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die and Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (J.Z.); (H.Z.)
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Miserez A, Yu J, Mohammadi P. Protein-Based Biological Materials: Molecular Design and Artificial Production. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2049-2111. [PMID: 36692900 PMCID: PMC9999432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric materials produced from fossil fuels have been intimately linked to the development of industrial activities in the 20th century and, consequently, to the transformation of our way of living. While this has brought many benefits, the fabrication and disposal of these materials is bringing enormous sustainable challenges. Thus, materials that are produced in a more sustainable fashion and whose degradation products are harmless to the environment are urgently needed. Natural biopolymers─which can compete with and sometimes surpass the performance of synthetic polymers─provide a great source of inspiration. They are made of natural chemicals, under benign environmental conditions, and their degradation products are harmless. Before these materials can be synthetically replicated, it is essential to elucidate their chemical design and biofabrication. For protein-based materials, this means obtaining the complete sequences of the proteinaceous building blocks, a task that historically took decades of research. Thus, we start this review with a historical perspective on early efforts to obtain the primary sequences of load-bearing proteins, followed by the latest developments in sequencing and proteomic technologies that have greatly accelerated sequencing of extracellular proteins. Next, four main classes of protein materials are presented, namely fibrous materials, bioelastomers exhibiting high reversible deformability, hard bulk materials, and biological adhesives. In each class, we focus on the design at the primary and secondary structure levels and discuss their interplays with the mechanical response. We finally discuss earlier and the latest research to artificially produce protein-based materials using biotechnology and synthetic biology, including current developments by start-up companies to scale-up the production of proteinaceous materials in an economically viable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Miserez
- Center
for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and
Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
(NTU), Singapore637553
- School
of Biological Sciences, NTU, Singapore637551
| | - Jing Yu
- Center
for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and
Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
(NTU), Singapore637553
- Institute
for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS), NTU, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore637553
| | - Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT
Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, UusimaaFI-02044, Finland
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Aguilar-Ferrer D, Szewczyk J, Coy E. Recent developments in polydopamine-based photocatalytic nanocomposites for energy production: Physico-chemical properties and perspectives. Catal Today 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Inoue T, Oka SI, Nakazato K, Hara T. Structural Changes and Mechanical Resistance of Claws and Denticles in Coconut Crabs of Different Sizes. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121304. [PMID: 34943219 PMCID: PMC8698411 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Understanding the diverse mechanisms by which organisms achieve exceptionally high mechanical properties may enable the development of unique, biologically inspired materials. We assessed the microstructure, composition, and mechanical resistance of the pinching side with denticles and of the outer side without denticles in robust claws of coconut crabs with body weight (BW) of 300 g to 1650 g. Surprisingly, they were independent of BW except for low hardness near the surface of the denticles of a small crab of 300 g. Although the microstructure of the denticles was clearly different from that of the exocuticle, their mechanical resistance indicated the same maximum value. The denticle can be regarded as a bulge of the cuticle without phosphorus. The design principles found in the exoskeleton provided promising opportunities for the research and development of novel structural materials. Abstract The exoskeleton of the pinching side of claws with denticles and of the outer side without them on the coconut crab, Birgus latro, which is a rare organism, were studied using a materials science approach. The mechanical resistance of three claws of different sizes was investigated along the exoskeleton thickness from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the results were compared, including the contribution of the microstructure and chemical compositions. Mechanical properties, hardness (H) and stiffness (Er), were probed through nanoindentation tests. The results showed the H, Er, microstructures, and chemical components of the exocuticle and endocuticle layers were almost the same, in a BW range of 300 g to 1650 g. At the same time, the H and Er near the surface of the denticles of a small coconut crab of 300 g were lower than those of other large coconut crabs. The microstructure of the denticles was clearly different from that of the exocuticle, but the maximum mechanical properties near their surface indicated almost the same values, Hmax = 4 GPa and Er(max) = 70 GPa, regardless of being on the pinching side or the outer side. A denticle can be regarded as a bulge of the cuticle without phosphorus and with high magnesium. The results provided novel information that expanded our knowledge about the claw microstructure of coconut crabs with different body sizes, and may be used in further studies
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadanobu Inoue
- National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan; (K.N.); (T.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-859-2148; Fax: +81-29-859-2101
| | - Shin-ichiro Oka
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan;
| | - Koji Nakazato
- National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan; (K.N.); (T.H.)
| | - Toru Hara
- National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan; (K.N.); (T.H.)
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Superior mechanical resistance in the exoskeleton of the coconut crab, Birgus latro. Mater Today Bio 2021; 12:100132. [PMID: 34622195 PMCID: PMC8479828 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The hierarchical tissue structure that can balance the lightweight and strength of organisms gives hints on the development of biologically inspired materials. The exoskeleton of the coconut crab, Birgus latro, which is the largest terrestrial crustacean, was systematically analyzed using a materials science approach. The tissue structures, chemical compositions, and mechanical properties of the claw, walking legs, cephalothorax, and abdomen were compared. The local mechanical properties, hardness(H) and stiffness(E), were examined by nanoindentation testing. The stacking height, Sh, of the twisted plywood structure observed only in the exocuticle, the exoskeleton thickness, and the thickness and compositions at each layer differed significantly by body part. The exocuticle is strongly mineralized regardless of body parts. The claw and walking legs were thicker than the cephalothorax and abdomen, and their endocuticle was mineralized as compared to the endocuticle in the cephalothorax and abdomen. The H and Sh had a correlation in the exocuticle layer, and the H increased with decreasing the Sh. On the H-E map for abrasion resistance of materials, the results showed that the exocuticle layer of the coconut crab was superior to that of other arthropods and all engineering polymers and competitive with the hardest metallic alloys.
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8
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The homogenous alternative to biomineralization: Zn- and Mn-rich materials enable sharp organismal "tools" that reduce force requirements. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17481. [PMID: 34471148 PMCID: PMC8410824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91795-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We measured hardness, modulus of elasticity, and, for the first time, loss tangent, energy of fracture, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance of zinc- and manganese-enriched materials from fangs, stings and other "tools" of an ant, spider, scorpion and nereid worm. The mechanical properties of the Zn- and Mn-materials tended to cluster together between plain and biomineralized "tool" materials, with the hardness reaching, and most abrasion resistance values exceeding, those of calcified salmon teeth and crab claws. Atom probe tomography indicated that Zn was distributed homogeneously on a nanometer scale and likely bound as individual atoms to more than ¼ of the protein residues in ant mandibular teeth. This homogeneity appears to enable sharper, more precisely sculpted "tools" than materials with biomineral inclusions do, and also eliminates interfaces with the inclusions that could be susceptible to fracture. Based on contact mechanics and simplified models, we hypothesize that, relative to plain materials, the higher elastic modulus, hardness and abrasion resistance minimize temporary or permanent tool blunting, resulting in a roughly 2/3 reduction in the force, energy, and muscle mass required to initiate puncture of stiff materials, and even greater force reductions when the cumulative effects of abrasion are considered. We suggest that the sharpness-related force reductions lead to significant energy savings, and can also enable organisms, especially smaller ones, to puncture, cut, and grasp objects that would not be accessible with plain or biomineralized "tools".
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Freitas DF, da Rocha IM, Vieira-da-Motta O, de Paula Santos C. The Role of Melanin in the Biology and Ecology of Nematophagous Fungi. J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:597-613. [PMID: 34232439 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is a heteropolymer formed by the polymerization of phenolic and indolic compounds. It occurs in organisms across all biological kingdoms and has a range different of functions, thus indicating its important evolutionary role. The presence of melanin offers several protective advantages, including against ultraviolet radiation, traumatic damage, oxidative stress, extreme temperatures, and pressure. For many species of fungi, melanin also participates directly in the process of virulence and pathogenicity. These organisms can synthesize melanin in two main ways: using a substrate of endogenous origin, involving 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN); alternatively, in an exogenous manner with the addition of L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA or levodopa). As melanin is an amorphous and complex substance, its study requires expensive and inaccessible technologies and analyses are often difficult to perform with conventional biochemical techniques. As such, details about its chemical structure are not yet fully understood, particularly for nematophagous fungi that remain poorly studied. Thus, this review presents an overview of the different types of melanin, with an emphasis on fungi, and discusses the role of melanin in the biology and ecology of nematophagous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivid França Freitas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Tissue Biology-LBCT, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil
| | - Izabelli Martins da Rocha
- Laboratory of Cellular and Tissue Biology-LBCT, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil
| | - Olney Vieira-da-Motta
- Animal Health Laboratory - Infectious Contagious Diseases Sector, State University of North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil
| | - Clóvis de Paula Santos
- Laboratory of Cellular and Tissue Biology-LBCT, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil.
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10
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Shape-preserving erosion controlled by the graded microarchitecture of shark tooth enameloid. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5971. [PMID: 33235202 PMCID: PMC7686312 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19739-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The teeth of all vertebrates predominantly comprise the same materials, but their lifespans vary widely: in stark contrast to mammals, shark teeth are functional only for weeks, rather than decades, making lifelong durability largely irrelevant. However, their diets are diverse and often mechanically demanding, and as such, their teeth should maintain a functional morphology, even in the face of extremely high and potentially damaging contact stresses. Here, we reconcile the dilemma between the need for an operative tooth geometry and the unavoidable damage inherent to feeding on hard foods, demonstrating that the tooth cusps of Port Jackson sharks, hard-shelled prey specialists, possess unusual microarchitecture that controls tooth erosion in a way that maintains functional cusp shape. The graded architecture in the enameloid provokes a location-specific damage response, combining chipping of outer enameloid and smooth wear of inner enameloid to preserve an efficient shape for grasping hard prey. Our discovery provides experimental support for the dominant theory that multi-layered tooth enameloid facilitated evolutionary diversification of shark ecologies. Shark teeth have short lifespans yet can be subject to significant mechanical damage. Here, the authors report on a site-specific damage mechanism in shark teeth enameloid, which maintains tooth functional shape, providing experimental evidence that tooth architecture may have influenced the diversification of shark ecologies over evolution.
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Oscurato SL, Formisano F, de Lisio C, d'Ischia M, Gesuele F, Maddalena P, Manini P, Migliaccio L, Pezzella A. Spontaneous wrinkle emergence in nascent eumelanin thin films. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:9261-9270. [PMID: 31661109 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01885a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Self-patterning processes originated by physical stimuli have been extensively documented in thin films, whereas spontaneous wrinkling phenomena due to chemical transformation processes are, to the best of our knowledge, unprecedented. Herein we report a case of spontaneous polymerization-driven surface nano-patterning (∼500 nm) that develops in smooth thin solid films of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI), a major precursor of eumelanin polymers, over a time scale of 30 to 60 days in air at room temperature. The phenomenon can be observed only above a critical film thickness of ∼250 nm and it is affected by exposure to ammonia vapors causing acceleration of the oxidation process. The thickness-dependent onset of wrinkling can be attributed to non-homogeneous rates of oxidation through the film causing slow swelling/expansion of the inner layers followed by fast stiffening and cross-linking in the outer layer exposed to higher oxygen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Luigi Oscurato
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Fabio Formisano
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy. and Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Corrado de Lisio
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy. and INFN, Sezione di Napoli, Via Cintia 2, 80126 Napoli, Italy and CNR-SPIN U.O.S. di Napoli, Via Cintia 2, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco d'Ischia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Gesuele
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Pasqualino Maddalena
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy. and CNR-SPIN U.O.S. di Napoli, Via Cintia 2, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Manini
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovico Migliaccio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- INFN, Sezione di Napoli, Via Cintia 2, 80126 Napoli, Italy and Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Na), Italy. and National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
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Valois E, Hoffman C, Demartini DG, Waite JH. The Thiol-Rich Interlayer in the Shell/Core Architecture of Mussel Byssal Threads. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:15985-15991. [PMID: 31405280 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b01844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The mussel byssus thread is an extremely tough core-shelled fiber that dissipates substantial amounts of energy during tensile loading. The mechanical performance of the shell is critically reliant on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine's (Dopa) ability to form reversible iron-catecholate complexes at pH 8. However, the formation of these coordinate cross-links is undercut by Dopa's oxidation to Dopa-quinone, a spontaneous process at seawater conditions. The large mechanical mismatch between the cuticle and the core lends itself to further complications. Despite these challenges, the mussel byssus thread performs its tethering function over long periods of time. Here, we address these two major questions: (1) how does the mussel slow/prevent oxidation in the cuticle, and (2) how is the mechanical mismatch at the core/shell interface mitigated? By combining a number of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques we have discerned a previously undescribed layer. Our results indicate this interlayer is thiol rich and thus will be called the thiol-rich interlayer (TRL). We propose the TRL serves as a long-lasting redox reservoir as well as a mechanical barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Valois
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program , University of California , Santa Barbara , California 93106 , United States
| | | | - Daniel G Demartini
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program , University of California , Santa Barbara , California 93106 , United States
| | - J Herbert Waite
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program , University of California , Santa Barbara , California 93106 , United States
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Chen C, Li D, Yano H, Abe K. Insect Cuticle-Mimetic Hydrogels with High Mechanical Properties Achieved via the Combination of Chitin Nanofiber and Gelatin. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:5571-5578. [PMID: 31034225 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
By mimicking the natural sclerotization process of insect cuticles, a novel nanofiber-reinforced gelatin hydrogel was developed with improved mechanical properties, which was further strengthened through quinone cross-linking. Because quinone cross-linking reacts between amino groups by increasing the amino group content on the chitin crystalline surface through alkali treatment, surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers (SD-ChNFs) were prepared to facilitate the cross-linking reaction between SD-ChNF and gelatin. This technique resulted in a tough hydrogel with a dark color. In comparison to a non-cross-linked version, the quinone-cross-linked SD-ChNF/gelatin hydrogel exhibited significantly improved tensile performance. Notably, by controlling the cross-linking reaction time from 6 to 48 h, the tensile strength of the quinone-cross-linked hydrogels can be modified and can reach as high as 2.96 MPa while displaying a variable brown color. Given the eco-friendly, biocompatible, and sustainable properties of chitin and gelatin, these bioinspired hydrogels provide potential applications in the agricultural and biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuchu Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanjing Forestry University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210037 , People's Republic of China
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere , Kyoto University , Uji , Kyoto 611-0011 , Japan
| | - Dagang Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanjing Forestry University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210037 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hiroyuki Yano
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere , Kyoto University , Uji , Kyoto 611-0011 , Japan
| | - Kentaro Abe
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere , Kyoto University , Uji , Kyoto 611-0011 , Japan
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14
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Vinther J, Parry LA. Bilateral Jaw Elements in Amiskwia sagittiformis Bridge the Morphological Gap between Gnathiferans and Chaetognaths. Curr Biol 2019; 29:881-888.e1. [PMID: 30799238 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Amiskwia sagittiformis Walcott 1911 is an iconic soft-bodied taxon from the Burgess Shale [1-3]. It was originally interpreted as a chaetognath [1], but it was later interpreted as a pelagic nemertean [2] or considered of uncertain affinity [3]. Part of this ambiguity is due to direct comparisons with members of the crown groups of extant phyla [4] and a lack of clarity regarding the systematic position of chaetognaths, which would allow for assessing character polarity in the phylum with respect to outgroups. Here, we show that Amiskwia preserves a bilaterally arranged set of head structures visible in relief and high reflectivity. These structures are best interpreted as jaws situated within an expanded pharyngeal complex. Morphological studies have highlighted a likely homology between bilateral and chitinous jaw elements in gnathiferans and chaetognaths [5], which is congruent with a shared unique Hox gene that suggests a close relationship between Gnathifera and Chaetognatha [6]. Molecular phylogenetic studies have recently found gnathiferans to be a deep branch of Spiralia and Chaetognaths either a sister group to Spiralia [7] or forming a clade with gnathiferans [6, 8]. Our phylogenetic analyses render Gnathifera paraphyletic with respect to Chaetognatha, and we therefore suggest that Amiskwia is best interpreted as a stem chaetognath, but crown gnathiferan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Vinther
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.
| | - Luke A Parry
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK; Department of Geology and Geophysics, Yale University, 210 Whitney Ave., New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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San-Jose LM, Roulin A. Toward Understanding the Repeated Occurrence of Associations between Melanin-Based Coloration and Multiple Phenotypes. Am Nat 2018; 192:111-130. [PMID: 30016163 DOI: 10.1086/698010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is the most widespread pigment in organisms. Melanin-based coloration has been repeatedly observed to be associated with the same traits and in the same direction in different vertebrate and insect species. However, whether any factors that are common to different taxa account for the repeated evolution of melanin-phenotype associations remains unclear. We propose to approach this question from the perspective of convergent and parallel evolution to clarify to what extent different species have evolved the same associations owing to a shared genetic basis and being subjected to similar selective pressures. Our current understanding of the genetic basis of melanin-phenotype associations allows for both convergent and parallel evolution, but this understanding is still limited. Further research is needed to clarify the generality and interdependencies of the different proposed mechanisms (supergenes, pleiotropy based on hormones, or neural crest cells). The general ecological scenarios whereby melanin-based coloration is under selection-protection from ultraviolet radiation, thermoregulation in cold environments, or as a signal of social status-offer a good opportunity to study how melanin-phenotype associations evolve. Reviewing these scenarios shows that some traits associated with melanin-based coloration might be selected together with coloration by also favoring adaptation but that other associated traits might impede adaptation, which may be indicative of genetic constraints. We therefore encourage further research on the relative roles that selection and genetic constraints play in shaping multiple melanin-phenotype associations. Placed into a phylogenetic context, this will help clarify to what extent these associations result from convergent or parallel evolutionary processes and why melanin-phenotype associations are so common across the tree of life.
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Schneider A, Hemmerlé J, Allais M, Didierjean J, Michel M, d'Ischia M, Ball V. Boric Acid as an Efficient Agent for the Control of Polydopamine Self-Assembly and Surface Properties. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:7574-7580. [PMID: 28914050 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b08356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of polydopamine (PDA) films on surfaces, a versatile deposition method with respect to the nature of the used substrate, is unfortunately accompanied by deposition of insoluble precipitates in solution after a prolonged oxidation time of dopamine solutions. Therefore, there is evident interest to find methods able to stop the deposition of PDA on surfaces and to simultaneously control the self-assembly of PDA in solution to get stable colloidal aggregates. In addition to proposed methods relying on the use of polymers like poly(vinyl alcohol) and proteins like human serum albumin, we show herein that boric acid is an efficient adjuvant that is simultaneously able to stop the self-assembly of PDA in solution as well as on surfaces and to change the adhesive properties of the resulting PDA coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schneider
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121 , 11 rue Humann , 67085 Strasbourg Cedex , France
| | - Joseph Hemmerlé
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121 , 11 rue Humann , 67085 Strasbourg Cedex , France
| | - Manon Allais
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121 , 11 rue Humann , 67085 Strasbourg Cedex , France
| | - Jeoffrey Didierjean
- Department of Materials Research and Technology (MRT) , Luxembourg Institute for Science and Technology , 41, rue du Brill , L-4422 Belvaux , Luxembourg
| | - Marc Michel
- Department of Materials Research and Technology (MRT) , Luxembourg Institute for Science and Technology , 41, rue du Brill , L-4422 Belvaux , Luxembourg
| | - Marco d'Ischia
- Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples , Federico II, Via Cintia 4 , I-80126 Naples , Italy
| | - Vincent Ball
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121 , 11 rue Humann , 67085 Strasbourg Cedex , France
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire , Université de Strasbourg , 8 rue Sainte Elisabeth , 67000 Strasbourg , France
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17
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Static flexural properties of hedgehog spines conditioned in coupled temperature and relative humidity environments. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 75:413-422. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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Amin DR, Sugnaux C, Lau KHA, Messersmith PB, d’Ischia M, Ruiz-Molina D. Size Control and Fluorescence Labeling of Polydopamine Melanin-Mimetic Nanoparticles for Intracellular Imaging. Biomimetics (Basel) 2017; 2:17. [PMID: 29360110 PMCID: PMC5774220 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics2030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As synthetic analogs of the natural pigment melanin, polydopamine nanoparticles (NPs) are under active investigation as non-toxic anticancer photothermal agents and as free radical scavenging therapeutics. By analogy to the widely adopted polydopamine coatings, polydopamine NPs offer the potential for facile aqueous synthesis and incorporation of (bio)functional groups under mild temperature and pH conditions. However, clear procedures for the convenient and reproducible control of critical NP properties such as particle diameter, surface charge, and loading with functional molecules have yet to be established. In this work, we have synthesized polydopamine-based melanin-mimetic nanoparticles (MMNPs) with finely controlled diameters spanning ≈25 to 120 nm and report on the pH-dependence of zeta potential, methodologies for PEGylation, and the incorporation of fluorescent organic molecules. A comprehensive suite of complementary techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta-potential, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy, was used to characterize the MMNPs and their properties. Our PEGylated MMNPs are highly stable in both phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and in cell culture media and exhibit no cytotoxicity up to at least 100 μg mL-1 concentrations. We also show that a post-functionalization methodology for fluorophore loading is especially suitable for producing MMNPs with stable fluorescence and significantly narrower emission profiles than previous reports, suggesting they will be useful for multimodal cell imaging. Our results pave the way towards biomedical imaging and possibly drug delivery applications, as well as fundamental studies of MMNP size and surface chemistry dependent cellular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devang R. Amin
- Departments of Bioengineering and Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 210 Hearst Mining Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (D.R.A.); (C.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Caroline Sugnaux
- Departments of Bioengineering and Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 210 Hearst Mining Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (D.R.A.); (C.S.)
| | - King Hang Aaron Lau
- WestCHEM/Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral St., Glasgow G1 1XL, UK;
| | - Phillip B. Messersmith
- Departments of Bioengineering and Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 210 Hearst Mining Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (D.R.A.); (C.S.)
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19
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Populations of the Lizard,Sceloporus occidentalis, that Differ in Melanization have Different Rates of Wound Healing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 325:491-500. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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20
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Galván I, Solano F. Bird Integumentary Melanins: Biosynthesis, Forms, Function and Evolution. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:520. [PMID: 27070583 PMCID: PMC4848976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanins are the ubiquitous pigments distributed in nature. They are one of the main pigments responsible for colors in living cells. Birds are among the most diverse animals regarding melanin-based coloration, especially in the plumage, although they also pigment bare parts of the integument. This review is devoted to the main characteristics of bird melanins, including updated views of the formation and nature of melanin granules, whose interest has been raised in the last years for inferring the color of extinct birds and non-avian theropod dinosaurs using resistant fossil feathers. The molecular structure of the two main types of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin, and the environmental and genetic factors that regulate avian melanogenesis are also presented, establishing the main relationship between them. Finally, the special functions of melanin in bird feathers are also discussed, emphasizing the aspects more closely related to these animals, such as honest signaling, and the factors that may drive the evolution of pheomelanin and pheomelanin-based color traits, an issue for which birds have been pioneer study models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Francisco Solano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B & Immunology, School of Medicine and IMIB, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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21
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Zhang X, Hassanzadeh P, Miyake T, Jin J, Rolandi M. Squid beak inspired water processable chitosan composites with tunable mechanical properties. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:2273-2279. [DOI: 10.1039/c6tb00106h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
By modulating the degree of cross-linking, this lightweight composite can be tuned with a range of mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering
- University of California
- Santa Cruz
- USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
| | - Pegah Hassanzadeh
- Department of Electrical Engineering
- University of California
- Santa Cruz
- USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
| | - Takeo Miyake
- Department of Electrical Engineering
- University of California
- Santa Cruz
- USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
| | - Jungho Jin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- University of Washington
- Seattle
- USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical Engineering
- University of California
- Santa Cruz
- USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
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22
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Physicochemical perspective on "polydopamine" and "poly(catecholamine)" films for their applications in biomaterial coatings. Biointerphases 2015; 9:030801. [PMID: 25280841 DOI: 10.1116/1.4875115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinspired poly(catecholamine) based coatings, mostly "polydopamine," were conceived based on the chemistry used by mussels to adhere strongly to the surface of stones and wood in water and to remain attached to their substrates even under conditions of strong shear stresses. These kinds of films can in turn be easily modified with a plethora of molecules and inorganic (nano)materials. This review shows that poly(catecholamine) based coatings are an ideal film forming method for applications in the field of biomaterials. It is written from a physicochemical and a materials science perspective and discusses optical, chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties of polydopamine films. It further demonstrates that a better understanding of the polydopamine film deposition mechanism is warranted to improve the properties of these coatings even further.
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23
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von Reumont BM, Campbell LI, Jenner RA. Quo vadis venomics? A roadmap to neglected venomous invertebrates. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:3488-551. [PMID: 25533518 PMCID: PMC4280546 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6123488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomics research is being revolutionized by the increased use of sensitive -omics techniques to identify venom toxins and their transcripts in both well studied and neglected venomous taxa. The study of neglected venomous taxa is necessary both for understanding the full diversity of venom systems that have evolved in the animal kingdom, and to robustly answer fundamental questions about the biology and evolution of venoms without the distorting effect that can result from the current bias introduced by some heavily studied taxa. In this review we draw the outlines of a roadmap into the diversity of poorly studied and understood venomous and putatively venomous invertebrates, which together represent tens of thousands of unique venoms. The main groups we discuss are crustaceans, flies, centipedes, non-spider and non-scorpion arachnids, annelids, molluscs, platyhelminths, nemerteans, and echinoderms. We review what is known about the morphology of the venom systems in these groups, the composition of their venoms, and the bioactivities of the venoms to provide researchers with an entry into a large and scattered literature. We conclude with a short discussion of some important methodological aspects that have come to light with the recent use of new -omics techniques in the study of venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lahcen I Campbell
- Department of Life Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD London, UK.
| | - Ronald A Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD London, UK.
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24
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Degtyar E, Harrington MJ, Politi Y, Fratzl P. Die Bedeutung von Metallionen für die mechanischen Eigenschaften von Biomaterialien auf Proteinbasis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201404272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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25
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Degtyar E, Harrington MJ, Politi Y, Fratzl P. The Mechanical Role of Metal Ions in Biogenic Protein-Based Materials. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:12026-44. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201404272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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26
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von Reumont BM, Campbell LI, Richter S, Hering L, Sykes D, Hetmank J, Jenner RA, Bleidorn C. A Polychaete's powerful punch: venom gland transcriptomics of Glycera reveals a complex cocktail of toxin homologs. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:2406-23. [PMID: 25193302 PMCID: PMC4202326 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycerids are marine annelids commonly known as bloodworms. Bloodworms have an eversible proboscis adorned with jaws connected to venom glands. Bloodworms prey on invertebrates, and it is known that the venom glands produce compounds that can induce toxic effects in animals. Yet, none of these putative toxins has been characterized on a molecular basis. Here we present the transcriptomic profiles of the venom glands of three species of bloodworm, Glycera dibranchiata, Glycera fallax and Glycera tridactyla, as well as the body tissue of G. tridactyla. The venom glands express a complex mixture of transcripts coding for putative toxin precursors. These transcripts represent 20 known toxin classes that have been convergently recruited into animal venoms, as well as transcripts potentially coding for Glycera-specific toxins. The toxins represent five functional categories: Pore-forming and membrane-disrupting toxins, neurotoxins, protease inhibitors, other enzymes, and CAP domain toxins. Many of the transcripts coding for putative Glycera toxins belong to classes that have been widely recruited into venoms, but some are homologs of toxins previously only known from the venoms of scorpaeniform fish and monotremes (stonustoxin-like toxin), turrid gastropods (turripeptide-like peptides), and sea anemones (gigantoxin I-like neurotoxin). This complex mixture of toxin homologs suggests that bloodworms employ venom while predating on macroscopic prey, casting doubt on the previously widespread opinion that G. dibranchiata is a detritivore. Our results further show that researchers should be aware that different assembly methods, as well as different methods of homology prediction, can influence the transcriptomic profiling of venom glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn M von Reumont
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lahcen I Campbell
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandy Richter
- Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lars Hering
- Animal Evolution & Development, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dan Sykes
- Imaging and Analysis Centre, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jörg Hetmank
- Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ronald A Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Bleidorn
- Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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27
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Chen CT, Chuang C, Cao J, Ball V, Ruch D, Buehler MJ. Excitonic effects from geometric order and disorder explain broadband optical absorption in eumelanin. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3859. [PMID: 24848640 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Eumelanin is a ubiquitous biological pigment, and the origin of its broadband absorption spectrum has long been a topic of scientific debate. Here, we report a first-principles computational investigation to explain its broadband absorption feature. These computations are complemented by experimental results showing a broadening of the absorption spectra of dopamine solutions upon their oxidation. We consider a variety of eumelanin molecular structures supported by experiments or theoretical studies, and calculate the absorption spectra with proper account of the excitonic couplings based on the Frenkel exciton model. The interplay of geometric order and disorder of eumelanin aggregate structures broadens the absorption spectrum and gives rise to a relative enhancement of absorption intensity at the higher-energy end, proportional to the cube of absorption energy. These findings show that the geometric disorder model is as able as the chemical disorder model, and complements this model, to describe the optical properties of eumelanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Teh Chen
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 1-235A&B, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Chern Chuang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Jianshu Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Vincent Ball
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, 8 rue Sainte Elizabeth, 67000 Strasbourg, France and Unité INSERM 1121, 11 rue Humann, 67085 Strasbourg Cédex, France
| | - David Ruch
- Department for Advanced Materials and Structures, Centre de Recherche Public Henri Tudor, 5 rue Bommel, L-4940 Hautcharage, Luxembourg
| | - Markus J Buehler
- 1] Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 1-235A&B, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA [2] Center for Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA [3] Center for Computational Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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28
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Dubey S, Roulin A. Evolutionary and biomedical consequences of internal melanins. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:327-38. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Dubey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Biophore Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Biophore Lausanne Switzerland
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29
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Lin S, Chen CT, Bdikin I, Ball V, Grácio J, Buehler MJ. Tuning heterogeneous poly(dopamine) structures and mechanics: in silico covalent cross-linking and thin film nanoindentation. SOFT MATTER 2014; 10:457-464. [PMID: 24651666 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm51810h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mussel-inspired synthetic poly(dopamine) thin films from dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and lysine, structurally similar to natural melanin, have drawn extensive interest as a versatile surface functionalization and coating material for use in a broad range of applications. In order to gain a better understanding of its complex and heterogeneous polymeric structure and mechanical properties, we report a computational model of poly(dopamine) by mimicking the polymerization process of the intermediate oxidized product of dopamine, 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI), via controlled in silico covalent cross-linking under the two most possible reaction schemes proposed in experiments. To validate our results using experiment, we synthesize poly(dopamine) thin films and perform experimental nanoindentations on the film. We observe an overall linear behavior for Young's modulus as a function of the degree of cross-linking, demonstrating the possibility of enhancing the mechanical robustness of poly(dopamine) materials by increasing the extent of polymerization. At the highest degree of polymerization considered (70%), the model mimics the linear tetrameric model for poly(dopamine) and melanin. At this degree of polymerization, we find a Young's modulus of 4.1-4.4 GPa, in agreement with our nanoindentation results of 4.3-10.5 GPa, previous experiments for natural melanin, as well as simulation results for the cyclic tetrameric melanin model (Chen et al., ACS Nano, 2013). Our results suggest that the non-covalent DHI aggregate model might not be appropriate to represent the structure of poly(dopamine) and melanin-like materials, since it gives a much smaller Young's modulus than the experimental lower bound. Our model not only nicely complements the previous computational work, but also provides new computational tools to study the heterogeneous structural and physicochemical properties of poly(dopamine) and melanin, as well as their formation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangchao Lin
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
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30
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Chen CT, Ghosh S, Malla Reddy C, Buehler MJ. Molecular mechanics of elastic and bendable caffeine co-crystals. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:13165-71. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cp55117b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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31
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Hwang DS, Masic A, Prajatelistia E, Iordachescu M, Waite JH. Marine hydroid perisarc: a chitin- and melanin-reinforced composite with DOPA-iron(III) complexes. Acta Biomater 2013; 9:8110-7. [PMID: 23791678 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Many marine invertebrates utilize biomacromolecules as building blocks to form their load-bearing tissues. These polymeric tissues are appealing for their unusual physical and mechanical properties, including high hardness and stiffness, toughness and low density. Here, a marine hydroid perisarc of Aglaophenia latirostris was investigated to understand how nature designs a stiff, tough and lightweight sheathing structure. Chitin, protein and a melanin-like pigment, were found to represent 10, 17 and 60 wt.% of the perisarc, respectively. Interestingly, similar to the adhesive and coating of marine mussel byssus, a DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) containing protein and iron were detected in the perisarc. Resonance Raman microprobe analysis of perisarc indicates the presence of catechol-iron(III) complexes in situ, but it remains to be determined whether the DOPA-iron(III) interaction plays a cohesive role in holding the protein, chitin and melanin networks together.
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32
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Chen CT, Ball V, de Almeida Gracio JJ, Singh MK, Toniazzo V, Ruch D, Buehler MJ. Self-assembly of tetramers of 5,6-dihydroxyindole explains the primary physical properties of eumelanin: experiment, simulation, and design. ACS NANO 2013; 7:1524-1532. [PMID: 23320483 DOI: 10.1021/nn305305d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Eumelanin is a ubiquitous pigment in nature and has many intriguing physicochemical properties, such as broad-band and monotonous absorption spectrum, antioxidant and free radical scavenging behavior, and strong nonradiative relaxation of photoexcited electronic states. These properties are highly related to its structural and mechanical properties and make eumelanin a fascinating candidate for the design of multifunctional nanomaterials. Here we report joint experimental-computational investigation of the structural and mechanical properties of eumelanin assemblies produced from dopamine, revealing that the mass density of dry eumelanin is 1.55 g/cm³ and its Young's modulus is ≈5 GPa. We also find that wet eumelanin has a lower mass density and Young's modulus depending on the water-to-melanin ratio. Most importantly, our data show that eumelanin molecules tend to form secondary structures based on noncovalent π stacking in both dry and wet conditions, with an interlayer distance between eumelanin molecules of 3.3 Å. Corresponding transmission electron microscope images confirm the supramolecular organization predicted in our simulations. Our simulations show that eumelanin is an isotropic material at a larger scale when eumelanin molecules are randomly oriented to form secondary structures. These results are in good agreement with experimental observations, density functional theory calculations, and bridge the gap between earlier experimental and small-scale quantum mechanical studies of eumelanin. We use the knowledge acquired from the simulations to select a partner molecule, a cationic phthalocyanine, allowing us to produce layer-by-layer films containing eumelanin that display an electrical conductivity 5 orders of magnitudes higher than that of pure eumelanin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Teh Chen
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 1-235A&B, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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Mostert AB, Powell BJ, Pratt FL, Hanson GR, Sarna T, Gentle IR, Meredith P. Role of semiconductivity and ion transport in the electrical conduction of melanin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:8943-7. [PMID: 22615355 PMCID: PMC3384144 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1119948109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanins are pigmentary macromolecules found throughout the biosphere that, in the 1970s, were discovered to conduct electricity and display bistable switching. Since then, it has been widely believed that melanins are naturally occurring amorphous organic semiconductors. Here, we report electrical conductivity, muon spin relaxation, and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements of melanin as the environmental humidity is varied. We show that hydration of melanin shifts the comproportionation equilibrium so as to dope electrons and protons into the system. This equilibrium defines the relative proportions of hydroxyquinone, semiquinone, and quinone species in the macromolecule. As such, the mechanism explains why melanin at neutral pH only conducts when "wet" and suggests that both carriers play a role in the conductivity. Understanding that melanin is an electronic-ionic hybrid conductor rather than an amorphous organic semiconductor opens exciting possibilities for bioelectronic applications such as ion-to-electron transduction given its biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albertus B. Mostert
- Centre for Organic Photonics and Electronics, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Benjamin J. Powell
- Centre for Organic Photonics and Electronics, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Francis L. Pratt
- ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme R. Hanson
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Tadeusz Sarna
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 31-007, Krakow, Poland; and
| | - Ian R. Gentle
- Centre for Organic Photonics and Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul Meredith
- Centre for Organic Photonics and Electronics, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
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Ball V, Del Frari D, Michel M, Buehler MJ, Toniazzo V, Singh MK, Gracio J, Ruch D. Deposition Mechanism and Properties of Thin Polydopamine Films for High Added Value Applications in Surface Science at the Nanoscale. BIONANOSCIENCE 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-011-0032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Bernsmann F, Ball V, Addiego F, Ponche A, Michel M, Gracio JJDA, Toniazzo V, Ruch D. Dopamine-melanin film deposition depends on the used oxidant and buffer solution. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2011; 27:2819-25. [PMID: 21332218 DOI: 10.1021/la104981s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of "polydopamine" films, from an aqueous solution containing dopamine or other catecholamines, constitutes a new and versatile way to functionalize solid-liquid interfaces. Indeed such films can be deposited on almost all kinds of materials. Their deposition kinetics does not depend markedly on the surface chemistry of the substrate, and the films can reach thickness of a few tens of nanometers in a single reaction step. Up to now, even if a lot is known about the oxidation mechanism of dopamine in solution, only little information is available to describe the deposition mechanism on surfaces either by oxidation in solution or by electrodeposition. The deposition kinetics of melanin was only investigated from dopamine solutions using oxygen or ammonium persulfate as an oxidant and from a tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (Tris) containing buffer solutions at pH 8.5. Many other oxidants could be used, and the buffer agent containing a primary amine group may influence the deposition process. Herein we show that the deposition kinetics of melanin from dopamine containing buffers at pH 8.5 can be markedly modified using Cu(2+) instead of O2 as an oxidant: the deposition kinetics remains linear up to thicknesses of more than 70 nm, whereas the film growth stops at 45 ± 5 nm in the presence of 02. In addition, the films prepared from Cu(2+) containing solutions display an absorption spectrum with defined peaks at 320 and 370 nm, which are absent in the spectra of films prepared in oxygenated solutions. The replacement of Tris buffer by phosphate buffer also has a marked effect on the melanin deposition kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Bernsmann
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale , Unité 977 11 rue Humann, 67085 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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Hardness in arthropod exoskeletons in the absence of transition metals. Acta Biomater 2010; 6:3152-6. [PMID: 20152944 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2010.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The arthropod cuticle is a remarkable and versatile biological material commonly composed of chitin and proteins. Lessons can be learned from the way it is adapted to fit its functions. The larval jewel beetle, Pseudotaenia frenchi, demonstrates hardness in the cutting edge of the mandibles in excess of the mineralized carapace of stone crabs and compares favourably with some stainless steels. Yet this is a form of cuticle which is devoid of transition metals or mineralization. In seeming contradiction, the similarly dark coloured adult beetle mandibles contain the transition metal manganese, but are significantly softer. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis and infrared spectroscopy have been used to investigate the differences in composition of mandible cuticle of the adult and larval beetles.
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Protein adsorption on dopamine-melanin films: role of electrostatic interactions inferred from zeta-potential measurements versus chemisorption. J Colloid Interface Sci 2010; 344:54-60. [PMID: 20092826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2009.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We recently showed the possibility to build dopamine-melanin films of controlled thickness by successive immersions of a substrate in alkaline solutions of dopamine [F. Bernsmann, A. Ponche, C. Ringwald, J. Hemmerlé, J. Raya, B. Bechinger, J.-C. Voegel, P. Schaaf, V. Ball, J. Phys. Chem. C 113 (2009) 8234-8242]. In this work the structure and properties of such films are further explored. The zeta-potential of dopamine-melanin films is measured as a function of the total immersion time to build the film. It appears that the film bears a constant zeta-potential of (-39+/-3) mV after 12 immersion steps. These data are used to calculate the surface density of charged groups of the dopamine-melanin films at pH 8.5 that are mostly catechol or quinone imine chemical groups. Furthermore the zeta-potential is used to explain the adsorption of three model proteins (lysozyme, myoglobin, alpha-lactalbumin), which is monitored by quartz crystal microbalance. We come to the conclusion that protein adsorption on dopamine-melanin is not only determined by possible covalent binding between amino groups of the proteins and catechol groups of dopamine-melanin but that electrostatic interactions contribute to protein binding. Part of the adsorbed proteins can be desorbed by sodium dodecylsulfate solutions at the critical micellar concentration. The fraction of weakly bound proteins decreases with their isoelectric point. Additionally the number of available sites for covalent binding of amino groups on melanin grains is quantified.
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Balani K, Brito FC, Kos L, Agarwal A. Melanocyte pigmentation stiffens murine cardiac tricuspid valve leaflet. J R Soc Interface 2009; 6:1097-102. [PMID: 19586956 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2009.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigmentation of murine cardiac tricuspid valve leaflet is associated with melanocyte concentration, which affects its stiffness. Owing to its biological and viscoelastic nature, estimation of the in situ stiffness measurement becomes a challenging task. Therefore, quasi-static and nanodynamic mechanical analysis of the leaflets of the mouse tricuspid valve is performed in the current work. The mechanical properties along the leaflet vary with the degree of pigmentation. Pigmented regions of the valve leaflet that contain melanocytes displayed higher storage modulus (7-10 GPa) than non-pigmented areas (2.5-4 GPa). These results suggest that the presence of melanocytes affects the viscoelastic properties of the mouse atrioventricular valves and are important for their proper functioning in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kantesh Balani
- Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India.
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Broomell CC, Chase SF, Laue T, Waite JH. Cutting Edge Structural Protein from the Jaws of Nereis virens. Biomacromolecules 2008; 9:1669-77. [DOI: 10.1021/bm800200a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris C. Broomell
- University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, and Center to Advance Molecular Interaction Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824
| | - Sue F. Chase
- University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, and Center to Advance Molecular Interaction Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824
| | - Tom Laue
- University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, and Center to Advance Molecular Interaction Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824
| | - J. Herbert Waite
- University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, and Center to Advance Molecular Interaction Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824
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Pontin MG, Moses DN, Waite JH, Zok FW. A nonmineralized approach to abrasion-resistant biomaterials. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:13559-64. [PMID: 17702868 PMCID: PMC1959419 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0702034104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tooth-like mouthparts of some animals consist of biomacromolecular scaffolds with few mineral components, making them intriguing paradigms of biostructural materials. In this study, the abrasion resistance of the jaws of one such animal, the bloodworm Glycera dibranchiata, has been evaluated by nanoindentation, nanoscratching, and wear testing. The hardest, stiffest, and most abrasion-resistant materials are found within a thin (<3 microm) surface layer near the jaw tip and a thicker (10-20 microm) subsurface layer, both rich in unmineralized Cu. These results are consistent with the supposition that Cu ions are involved in the formation of intermolecular coordination complexes between proteins, creating a highly cross-linked molecular network. The intervening layer contains aligned atacamite [Cu(2)(OH)(3)Cl] fibers and exhibits hardness and stiffness (transverse to the alignment direction) that are only slightly higher than those of the bulk material but lower than those of the two Cu-rich layers. Furthermore, the atacamite-containing layer is the least abrasion-resistant, by a factor of approximately 3, even relative to the bulk material. These observations are broadly consistent with the behavior of engineering polymer composites with hard fiber or particulate reinforcements. The alignment of fibers parallel to the jaw surface, and the fiber proximity to the surface, are both suggestive of a natural adaptation to enhance bending stiffness and strength rather than to endow the surface regions with enhanced abrasion resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana N. Moses
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5050
| | - J. Herbert Waite
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5050
| | - Frank W. Zok
- *Materials Department and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Broomell CC, Khan RK, Moses DN, Miserez A, Pontin MG, Stucky GD, Zok FW, Waite JH. Mineral minimization in nature's alternative teeth. J R Soc Interface 2007; 4:19-31. [PMID: 17015290 PMCID: PMC2358958 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2006.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrary to conventional wisdom, mineralization is not the only strategy evolved for the formation of hard, stiff materials. Indeed, the sclerotized mouthparts of marine invertebrates exhibit Young's modulus and hardness approaching 10 and 1 GPa, respectively, with little to no help from mineralization. Based on biochemical analyses, three of these mouthparts, the jaws of glycerid and nereid polychaetes and a squid beak, reveal a largely organic composition dominated by glycine- and histidine-rich proteins. Despite the well-known metal ion binding by the imidazole side-chain of histidine and the suggestion that this interaction provides mechanical support in nereid jaws, there is at present no universal molecular explanation for the relationship of histidine to mechanical properties in these sclerotized structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Broomell
- Department of Molecular Cell & Developmental Biology, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Rashda K Khan
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Dana N Moses
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Ali Miserez
- Materials Department, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Michael G Pontin
- Materials Department, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Galen D Stucky
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Materials Department, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Frank W Zok
- Materials Department, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - J. Herbert Waite
- Department of Molecular Cell & Developmental Biology, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Biomolecular Science & Engineering Program, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Author for correspondence ()
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Miserez A, Li Y, Waite JH, Zok F. Jumbo squid beaks: inspiration for design of robust organic composites. Acta Biomater 2007; 3:139-49. [PMID: 17113369 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2006.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Revised: 09/08/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The hard tissues found in some invertebrate marine organisms represent intriguing paradigms for robust, lightweight materials. The present study focuses on one such tissue: that comprising the beak of the jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas). Its main constituents are chitin fibers (15-20wt.%) and histidine- and glycine-rich proteins (40-45%). Notably absent are mineral phases, metals and halogens. Despite being fully organic, beak hardness and stiffness are at least twice those of the most competitive synthetic organic materials (notably engineering polymers) and comparable to those of Glycera and Nereis jaws. Furthermore, the combination of hardness and stiffness makes the beaks more resistant to plastic deformation when in contact with blunt abrasives than virtually all metals and polymers. The 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine and abundant histidine content in the beak proteins as well as the pigmented hydrolysis-resistant residue are suggestive of aromatic cross-linking. A high cross-linking density between the proteins and chitin may be the single most important determinant of hardness and stiffness in the beak. Beak microstructure is characterized by a lamellar arrangement of the constituents, with a weak interface that promotes crack deflection and endows the structure with high fracture toughness. The susceptibility of this microstructure to cracking along these interfaces from contact stresses at the external surface is mitigated by the presence of a protective coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Miserez
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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Moses DN, Harreld JH, Stucky GD, Waite JH. Melanin and Glycera jaws: emerging dark side of a robust biocomposite structure. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:34826-32. [PMID: 16984906 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m603429200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining the design principles guiding the fabrication of superior biocomposite structures from an assemblage of ordinary molecules is a key goal of biomimetics. Considering their low degree of mineralization, Glycera jaws have been shown to be extraordinarily resistant to abrasion based on the metric hardness3/Young's modulus2. The jaws also exhibit an impressive chemical inertness withstanding boiling concentrated hydrochloric acid as well as boiling concentrated sodium hydroxide. A major organic component largely responsible for the chemical inertness of the jaws has been characterized using a spectrophotometric assay for melanin content, 13C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, IR spectroscopy, and laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and is identified here as a melanin-like network. Although melanin is widely distributed as a pigment in tissues and other structural biomaterials, to our knowledge, Glycera jaws represent the first known integument to exploit melanin as a cohesive load- and shape-bearing material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana N Moses
- Program of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106, USA.
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