Collagen insulated from tensile damage by domains that unfold reversibly: in situ X-ray investigation of mechanical yield and damage repair in the mussel byssus

Determining hyperelastic properties of the constituents of the mussel byssus system

The mussel byssus system, comprising the adhesive plaque, distal thread, and proximal thread, plays a crucial role in the survival of marine mussels amongst ocean waves. Whilst recent research has explored the stress-strain behaviour of the distal thread and proximal thread through experimental approaches, little attention has been paid to the potential analytical or modelling methods within the current literature. In this work, analytical and finite element (FE) inverse methods were employed for the first time to identify the hyperelastic mechanical properties of both the plaque portion and the proximal thread. The results have demonstrated the feasibility of applied inverse methods in determining the mechanical properties of the constituents of the mussel byssus system, with the residual sum of squares of 0.0004 (N2) and 0.01 (mm2) for the proximal thread and the plaque portion, respectively. By leveraging mechanical and optical tests, this inverse methodology offers a simple and powerful means to anticipate the material properties for different portions of the mussel byssus system, thus providing insights into mimetic applications in engineering and material design.

Review paper: The importance of consideration of collagen cross-links in computational models of collagen-based tissues

Collagen as the main protein in Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) is the main load-bearing component of fibrous tissues. Nanostructure and architecture of collagen fibrils play an important role in mechanical behavior of these tissues. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have so far been performed to capture these properties, but none of the current models realistically represent the complexity of network mechanics because still less is known about the collagen's inner structure and its effect on the mechanical properties of tissues. The goal of this review article is to emphasize the significance of cross-links in computational modeling of different collagen-based tissues, and to reveal the need for continuum models to consider cross-links properties to better reflect the mechanical behavior observed in experiments. In addition, this study outlines the limitations of current investigations and provides potential suggestions for the future work.

Protein-Based Biological Materials: Molecular Design and Artificial Production

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.

Biological Materials Processing: Time-Tested Tricks for Sustainable Fiber Fabrication

There is an urgent need to improve the sustainability of the materials we produce and use. Here, we explore what humans can learn from nature about how to sustainably fabricate polymeric fibers with excellent material properties by reviewing the physical and chemical aspects of materials processing distilled from diverse model systems, including spider silk, mussel byssus, velvet worm slime, hagfish slime, and mistletoe viscin. We identify common and divergent strategies, highlighting the potential for bioinspired design and technology transfer. Despite the diversity of the biopolymeric fibers surveyed, we identify several common strategies across multiple systems, including: (1) use of stimuli-responsive biomolecular building blocks, (2) use of concentrated fluid precursor phases (e.g., coacervates and liquid crystals) stored under controlled chemical conditions, and (3) use of chemical (pH, salt concentration, redox chemistry) and physical (mechanical shear, extensional flow) stimuli to trigger the transition from fluid precursor to solid material. Importantly, because these materials largely form and function outside of the body of the organisms, these principles can more easily be transferred for bioinspired design in synthetic systems. We end the review by discussing ongoing efforts and challenges to mimic biological model systems, with a particular focus on artificial spider silks and mussel-inspired materials.

Dye and metal ion adsorption ability of Asian green mussel byssus thread complex; their microscopic and thermal property characterization

Various physical, chemical, and biological factors act as pollutants and cause deleterious effects on the environment and living organisms. Several researchers are developing eco-friendly good adsorbent from agriculture waste materials for pollutant removal, especially aromatic dyes and heavy metal removal. We used the Asian green mussel byssus thread, a natural mariculture waste product for the removal of aromatic dyes (methylene blue and eosin Y) and heavy metals (zinc, copper, iron, mercury and lead). We documented the dynamicity of byssus thread dye and metal removal at different pH (pH 2-10) and different concentrations. The highest amount of metal removal was observed at pH 6.0, and the dye removal efficacy is related to the property of the dye (i.e. anionic or cationic dye). The byssus thread had a natural fluorescent property upon UV-excitation; however, microscopic examination revealed that metal and dye coordination significantly alter the byssus plaque region's physical and chemical property rather than the thread regions. It was further confirmed by using DSC and TGA characterization of de-metaled and metal-treated byssus thread complex. We concluded that Perna viridis byssus thread could be used as a strong adsorbent for dye and metal removal from the water.

Optimal Sacrificial Domains in Mechanical Polyproteins: S. epidermidis Adhesins Are Tuned for Work Dissipation

The opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis utilizes a multidomain surface adhesin protein to bind host components and adhere to tissues. While it is known that the interaction between the SdrG receptor and its fibrinopeptide target (FgB) is exceptionally mechanostable (∼2 nN), the influence of downstream B domains (B1 and B2) is unclear. Here, we studied the mechanical relationships between folded B domains and the SdrG receptor bound to FgB. We used protein engineering, single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) with an atomic force microscope (AFM), and Monte Carlo simulations to understand how the mechanical properties of folded sacrificial domains, in general, can be optimally tuned to match the stability of a receptor-ligand complex. Analogous to macroscopic suspension systems, sacrificial shock absorber domains should neither be too weak nor too strong to optimally dissipate mechanical energy. We built artificial molecular shock absorber systems based on the nanobody (VHH) scaffold and studied the competition between domain unfolding and receptor unbinding. We quantitatively determined the optimal stability of shock absorbers that maximizes work dissipation on average for a given receptor and found that natural sacrificial domains from pathogenic S. epidermidis and Clostridium perfringens adhesins exhibit stabilities at or near this optimum within a specific range of loading rates. These findings demonstrate how tuning the stability of sacrificial domains in adhesive polyproteins can be used to maximize mechanical work dissipation and serve as an adhesion strategy by bacteria.

Nanolattice-Forming Hybrid Collagens in Protective Shark Egg Cases

Nanoscopic structural control with long-range ordering remains a profound challenge in nanomaterial fabrication. The nanoarchitectured egg cases of elasmobranchs rely on a hierarchically ordered latticework for their protective function─serving as an exemplary system for nanoscale self-assembly. Although the proteinaceous precursors are known to undergo intermediate liquid crystalline phase transitions before being structurally arrested in the final nanolattice architecture, their sequences have so far remained unknown. By leveraging RNA-seq and proteomic techniques, we identified a cohort of nanolattice-forming proteins comprising a collagenous midblock flanked by domains typically associated with innate immunity and network-forming collagens. Structurally homologous proteins were found in the genomes of other egg-case-producing cartilaginous fishes, suggesting a conserved molecular self-assembly strategy. The identity and stabilizing role of cross-links were subsequently elucidated using mass spectrometry and in situ small-angle X-ray scattering. Our findings provide a new design approach for protein-based liquid crystalline elastomers and the self-assembly of nanolattices.

Viscoelastic analysis of mussel threads reveals energy dissipative mechanisms

Mussels use byssal threads to secure themselves to rocks and as shock absorbers during cyclic loading from wave motion. Byssal threads combine high strength and toughness with extensibility of nearly 200%. Researchers attribute tensile properties of byssal threads to their elaborate multi-domain collagenous protein cores. Because the elastic properties have been previously scrutinized, we instead examined byssal thread viscoelastic behaviour, which is essential for withstanding cyclic loading. By targeting protein domains in the collagenous core via chemical treatments, stress relaxation experiments provided insights on domain contributions and were coupled with in situ small-angle X-ray scattering to investigate relaxation-specific molecular reorganizations. Results show that when silk-like domains in the core were disrupted, the stress relaxation of the threads decreased by nearly 50% and lateral molecular spacing also decreased, suggesting that these domains are essential for energy dissipation and assume a compressed molecular rearrangement when disrupted. A generalized Maxwell model was developed to describe the stress relaxation response. The model predicts that maximal damping (energy dissipation) occurs at around 0.1 Hz which closely resembles the wave frequency along the California coast and implies that these materials may be well adapted to the cyclic loading of the ambient conditions.

Activation of extracellular electron network in non-electroactive bacteria by Bombyx mori silk

Extracellular electron transfer material (EETM) has increasingly attracted attentions for the enhancing effect on multiple microbial reactions. Especially, EETM is known to be essential to activate the energy network in non-electroactive bacteria. It is motivated to find out an EETM which is natural-based, environmentally friendly, and easily produced at large-scale. In this study, Bombyx mori silk is found, for the first time, to function as an EETM by using an EETM-dependent pentachlorophenol (PCP) dechlorinating anaerobic microbial culture. Subsequently, by dividing fibroin fiber into different soluble/insoluble fractions and correlating their EET functions with their structural properties based on various spectroscopic analyses, the β-sheet configuration is suggested as an essential structure supporting the EET function of silk materials. The analyses also suggested the involvement of sulfur-containing amino acids in this function. The EET function is not degraded by boiling or acid/alkaline treatments and the material can be utilized multiple times, although it is susceptible to UV irradiation. Bombyx mori silk also enhance other microbial reactions, including Fe(III)OOH reduction, CO₂ reduction to acetate, and nitrogen fixation. This discovery provides a basis for developing biotechnology for environmental remediation, global warming reduction, and biofertilizer production using Bombyx mori silk and its wastes.

Following the thread: Mytilus mussel byssus as an inspired multi-functional biomaterial

Over the last 15 years, the byssus of marine mussels (Mytilus spp.) has emerged as an important model system for the bio-inspired development and synthesis of advanced polymers and adhesives. But how did these seemingly inconsequential fibers that are routinely discarded in mussel hors d’oeuvres become the focus of intense international research. In the present review, we take a historical perspective to understand this phenomenon. Our purpose is not to review the sizeable literature of mussel-inspired materials, as there are numerous excellent reviews that cover this topic in great depth. Instead, we explore how the byssus became a magnet for bio-inspired materials science, with a focus on the specific breakthroughs in the understanding of composition, structure, function, and formation of the byssus achieved through fundamental scientific investigation. Extracted principles have led to bio-inspired design of novel materials with both biomedical and technical applications, including surgical adhesives, self-healing polymers, tunable hydrogels, and even actuated composites. Continued study into the byssus of Mytilid mussels and other species will provide a rich source of inspiration for years to come.

From vesicles to materials: bioinspired strategies for fabricating hierarchically structured soft matter

Certain organisms including species of mollusks, polychaetes, onychophorans and arthropods produce exceptional polymeric materials outside their bodies under ambient conditions using concentrated fluid protein precursors. While much is understood about the structure-function relationships that define the properties of such materials, comparatively less is understood about how such materials are fabricated and specifically, how their defining hierarchical structures are achieved via bottom-up assembly. Yet this information holds great potential for inspiring sustainable manufacture of advanced polymeric materials with controlled multi-scale structure. In the present perspective, we first examine recent work elucidating the formation of the tough adhesive fibres of the mussel byssus via secretion of vesicles filled with condensed liquid protein phases (coacervates and liquid crystals)-highlighting which design principles are relevant for bio-inspiration. In the second part of the perspective, we examine the potential of recent advances in drops and additive manufacturing as a bioinspired platform for mimicking such processes to produce hierarchically structured materials. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 1)'.

Collagen Pentablock Copolymers Form Smectic Liquid Crystals as Precursors for Mussel Byssus Fabrication

Protein-based biological materials are important role models for the design and fabrication of next generation advanced polymers. Marine mussels (Mytilus spp.) fabricate hierarchically structured collagenous fibers known as byssal threads via bottom-up supramolecular assembly of fluid protein precursors. The high degree of structural organization in byssal threads is intimately linked to their exceptional toughness and self-healing capacity. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that multidomain collagen precursor proteins, known as preCols, are stored in secretory vesicles as a colloidal liquid crystal (LC) phase prior to thread self-assembly. Using advanced electron microscopy methods, including scanning TEM and FIB-SEM, we visualized the detailed smectic preCol LC nanostructure in 3D, including various LC defects, confirming this hypothesis and providing quantitative insights into the mesophase structure. In light of these findings, we performed an in-depth comparative analysis of preCol protein sequences from multiple Mytilid species revealing that the smectic organization arises from an evolutionarily conserved ABCBA pentablock copolymer-like primary structure based on demarcations in hydropathy and charge distribution as well as terminal pH-responsive domains that trigger fiber formation. These distilled supramolecular assembly principles provide inspiration and strategies for sustainable assembly of nanostructured polymeric materials for potential applications in engineering and biomedical applications.

Shape retaining self-healing metal-coordinated hydrogels

Metal-coordinated hydrogels are physical hydrogels entirely crosslinked by complexes between ligand decorated polymers and metal ions. The mechanical properties of these hydrogels strongly depend on the density and dynamics of metal-coordinated interactions. Most commonly, telechelic metal-coordinated hydrogels contain catechol or histidine ligands, although hydrogels containing a stronger complexation agent, nitrocatechol, have been reported. Here, we introduce a pyrogallol end-functionalized polymer that can be crosslinked with di- and trivalent ions, in contrast to previously reported metal-coordinated hydrogels. We can tune the mechanical properties of the hydrogels with the types of ions used and the density of crosslinking sites. Ions form nm-sized precipitates that bind to pyrogallols and impart distinct properties to the hydrogels: strong ion-pyrogallol interactions that form in the presence of Al3+, V3+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ result in long relaxation times. The resulting hydrogels display solid-like yet reversible mechanical properties, such that they can be processed into macroscopic 3D structures that retain their shapes. Weak ion-pyrogallol interactions that form in the presence of Ca2+ or Zn2+ result in short relaxation times. The resulting hydrogels display a fast self-healing behavior, suited for underwater glues, for example. The flexibility of tuning the mechanical properties of hydrogels simply by selecting the adequate ion-pyrogallol pair broadens the mechanical properties of metal-coordinated hydrogels to suit a wide range of applications that require them to retain their shape for a given time to act as dampers.

Recent Advances in Mussel-Inspired Synthetic Polymers as Marine Antifouling Coatings

Synthetic oligomers and polymers inspired by the multifunctional tethering system (byssus) of the common mussel (genus Mytilus) have emerged since the 1980s as a very active research domain within the wider bioinspired and biomimetic materials arena. The unique combination of strong underwater adhesion, robust mechanical properties and self-healing capacity has been linked to a large extent to the presence of the unusual α-amino acid derivative l-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) as a building block of the mussel byssus proteins. This paper provides a short overview of marine biofouling, discussing the different marine biofouling species and natural defenses against these, as well as biomimicry as a concept investigated in the marine antifouling context. A detailed discussion of the literature on the Mytilus mussel family follows, covering elements of their biology, biochemistry and the specific measures adopted by these mussels to utilise their l-DOPA-rich protein sequences (and specifically the ortho-bisphenol (catechol) moiety) in their benefit. A comprehensive account is then given of the key catechol chemistries (covalent and non-covalent/intermolecular) relevant to adhesion, cohesion and self-healing, as well as of some of the most characteristic mussel protein synthetic mimics reported over the past 30 years and the related polymer functionalisation strategies with l-DOPA/catechol. Lastly, we review some of the most recent advances in such mussel-inspired synthetic oligomers and polymers, claimed as specifically aimed or intended for use in marine antifouling coatings and/or tested against marine biofouling species.

Self-healing silk from the sea: role of helical hierarchical structure in Pinna nobilis byssus mechanics

The byssus fibers of Mytilus mussel species have become an important role model in bioinspired materials research due to their impressive properties (e.g. high toughness, self-healing); however, Mytilids represent only a small subset of all byssus-producing bivalves. Recent studies have revealed that byssus from other species possess completely different protein composition and hierarchical structure. In this regard, Pinna nobilis byssus is especially interesting due to its very different morphology, function and its historical use for weaving lightweight golden fabrics, known as sea silk. P. nobilis byssus was recently discovered to be comprised of globular proteins organized into a helical protein superstructure. In this work, we investigate the relationships between this hierarchical structure and the mechanical properties of P. nobilis byssus threads, including energy dissipation and self-healing capacity. To achieve this, we performed in-depth mechanical characterization, as well as tensile testing coupled with in situ X-ray scattering. Our findings reveal that P. nobilis byssus, like Mytilus, possesses self-healing and energy damping behavior and that the initial elastic behavior of P. nobilis byssus is due to stretching and unraveling of the previously observed helical building blocks comprising the byssus. These findings have biological relevance for understanding the convergent evolution of mussel byssus for different species, and also for the field of bio-inspired materials.

Force distribution and multiscale mechanics in the mussel byssus

The byssi of sessile mussels have the extraordinary ability to adhere to various surfaces and withstand static and dynamic loadings arising from hostile environmental conditions. Many investigations aimed at understanding the unique properties of byssal thread-plaque structures have been conducted and have inspired the enhancement of fibre coatings and adhesives. However, a systems-level analysis of the mechanical performance of the composite materials is lacking. In this work, we discuss the anatomy of the byssus and the function of each of the three components (the proximal thread portion, the distal thread portion and the adhesive plaque) of its structures. We introduce a basic nonlinear system of springs that describes the contribution of each component to the overall mechanical response and use this model to approximate the elastic modulus of the distal thread portion as well as the plaque, the response of which cannot be isolated through experiment alone. We conclude with a discussion of unresolved questions, highlighting areas of opportunity where additional experimental and theoretical work is needed. This article is part of the theme issue 'Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems'.

Bioinspired Histidine⁻Zn2+ Coordination for Tuning the Mechanical Properties of Self-Healing Coiled Coil Cross-Linked Hydrogels

Natural biopolymeric materials often possess properties superior to their individual components. In mussel byssus, reversible histidine (His)–metal coordination is a key feature, which mediates higher-order self-assembly as well as self-healing. The byssus structure, thus, serves as an excellent natural blueprint for the development of self-healing biomimetic materials with reversibly tunable mechanical properties. Inspired by byssal threads, we bioengineered His–metal coordination sites into a heterodimeric coiled coil (CC). These CC-forming peptides serve as a noncovalent cross-link for poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels and participate in the formation of higher-order assemblies via intermolecular His–metal coordination as a second cross-linking mode. Raman and circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed the presence of α-helical, Zn²⁺ cross-linked aggregates. Using rheology, we demonstrate that the hydrogel is self-healing and that the addition of Zn²⁺ reversibly switches the hydrogel properties from viscoelastic to elastic. Importantly, using different Zn²⁺:His ratios allows for tuning the hydrogel relaxation time over nearly three orders of magnitude. This tunability is attributed to the progressive transformation of single CC cross-links into Zn²⁺ cross-linked aggregates; a process that is fully reversible upon addition of the metal chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. These findings reveal that His–metal coordination can be used as a versatile cross-linking mechanism for tuning the viscoelastic properties of biomimetic hydrogels.

Healing through Histidine: Bioinspired Pathways to Self-Healing Polymers via Imidazole⁻Metal Coordination

Biology offers a valuable inspiration toward the development of self-healing engineering composites and polymers. In particular, chemical level design principles extracted from proteinaceous biopolymers, especially the mussel byssus, provide inspiration for design of autonomous and intrinsic healing in synthetic polymers. The mussel byssus is an acellular tissue comprised of extremely tough protein-based fibers, produced by mussels to secure attachment on rocky surfaces. Threads exhibit self-healing response following an apparent plastic yield event, recovering initial material properties in a time-dependent fashion. Recent biochemical analysis of the structure-function relationships defining this response reveal a key role of sacrificial cross-links based on metal coordination bonds between Zn2+ ions and histidine amino acid residues. Inspired by this example, many research groups have developed self-healing polymeric materials based on histidine (imidazole)-metal chemistry. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the current understanding of the self-healing mechanism in byssal threads, and an overview of the current state of the art in histidine- and imidazole-based synthetic polymers.

A High Coordination of Cross-Links Is Beneficial for the Strength of Cross-Linked Fibers

The influence of the coordination of (reversible) cross-links on the mechanical properties of aligned fiber bundles is investigated. Two polymeric systems containing cross-links of different coordination (two- and three-fold coordination) but having the same binding energy are investigated. In particular, the response to loading of these systems is compared. Mechanical parameters (strength, stiffness and work-to-fracture) are obtained by computational loading tests. The influence of coordination is studied for simple test systems with pre-defined topologies that maximize strength as well as for more realistic fiber bundles containing nine chains. The results show that a higher coordination of cross-links has a beneficial effect on the strength and the stiffness of the systems, while the work-to-fracture was found larger for the system having a smaller coordination of cross-links. It can be concluded that controlling the coordination of cross-links is a versatile tool to specifically tailor the mechanical properties of polymeric structures.

Ionizing radiation and bone quality: time-dependent effects

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ionizing radiation (IR) effects on rat bone 30 and 60 days after irradiation.

Methods

Wistar rats were submitted to IR (30 Gy) on the left leg and were euthanized after 30 and 60 days. The legs were divided into four groups according to the treatment and euthanization time: C30 and C60 (right leg–without IR), IR30 and IR60 (left leg-with IR).

Results

CT analysis showed more radiodensity in C60 compared with other groups, and IR60 showed more radiodensity than IR30. In histomorphometric analysis, C30 showed lower bone matrix values compared with IR30 and C60. Lacunarity analyses showed more homogeneous bone channel distribution in C30 than IR30. ATR-FTIR showed decrease in ratio of mature and immature crosslinks in IR30 compared with C30. Crystallinity Index was decrease in IR60 compared with C60. The Amide III + Collagen/HA ratio was increased in C60 compared with C30; however this ratio decreased in IR60 compared with IR30. Biomechanical analysis showed lower values in IR groups in both time.

Conclusions

IR damaged bone quality and decreased stiffness. Moreover, the results suggested that the deleterious effects of IR increased in the late time points.

Failure mechanisms of coiling fibers with sacrificial bonds made by instability-assisted fused deposition modeling

Instability-assisted 3D printing is a method for producing microstructured fibers with sacrificial bonds and hidden lengths that mimic nature's toughening mechanisms found in spider silk. This hierarchical structure increases the effective toughness of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers by 240-340% in some specimens. Nevertheless, many specimens show worse toughness as low as 25% of that of the benchmark straight fiber due to the incomplete release of hidden lengths caused by premature failures. Here, we report the mechanical tests and simulations of microstructured fibers with coiling loops that identify the material plastic deformation as being crucial to fully release the hidden lengths. Without sufficient material yielding, high local tensile stress results from the bending-torsion-tension coupled deformation of the coiling loop and induces crack initiation at the fiber backbone during the loop unfolding process. On the other hand, the influence of bond-breaking defects is found to be negligible here. Moreover, for a number of broken bonds beyond a critical value, the accumulated elastic energy along the released loops induces a high strain rate (∼1500 mm mm-1 s-1) in a quasi-static tensile test, which fractures the fiber backbone within 0.1 ms after the breaking of a new bond. We also show a size effect in fused deposition modeling (FDM) extruded PLA fibers, which results in a higher effective toughness (∼5 times the performance of the straight fiber benchmark) in small coiling fibers (dia. = 0.37 mm), due to the better ductility in bending and torsion compared to large fibers (dia. = 1.20 mm). The failure mechanisms of single microstructured fibers presented here lay the groundwork for further optimizations of fiber arrays in the next generation of high energy-absorption composites for impact protection and safety-critical applications.

A new twist on sea silk: the peculiar protein ultrastructure of fan shell and pearl oyster byssus

Numerous mussel species produce byssal threads - tough proteinaceous fibers, which anchor mussels in aquatic habitats. Byssal threads from Mytilus species, which are comprised of modified collagen proteins - have become a veritable archetype for bio-inspired polymers due to their self-healing properties. However, threads from different species are comparatively much less understood. In particular, the byssus of Pinna nobilis comprises thousands of fine fibers utilized by humans for millennia to fashion lightweight golden fabrics known as sea silk. P. nobilis is very different from Mytilus from an ecological, morphological and evolutionary point of view and it stands to reason that the structure-function relationships of its byssus are distinct. Here, we performed compositional analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate byssal threads of P. nobilis, as well as a closely related bivalve species (Atrina pectinata) and a distantly related one (Pinctada fucata). This comparative investigation revealed that all three threads share a similar molecular superstructure comprised of globular proteins organized helically into nanofibrils, which is completely distinct from the Mytilus thread ultrastructure, and more akin to the supramolecular organization of bacterial pili and F-actin. This unexpected discovery hints at a possible divergence in byssus evolution in Pinnidae mussels, perhaps related to selective pressures in their respective ecological niches.

Byssus Structure and Protein Composition in the Highly Invasive Fouling Mussel Limnoperna fortunei

Biofouling mediated by byssus adhesion in invasive bivalves has become a global environmental problem in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in negative ecological and economic consequences. Previous studies suggested that mechanisms responsible for byssus adhesion largely vary among bivalves, but it is poorly understood in freshwater species. Understanding of byssus structure and protein composition is the prerequisite for revealing these mechanisms. Here, we used multiple methods, including scanning electron microscope, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, transcriptome sequencing, real-time quantitative PCR, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, to investigate structure, and protein composition of byssus in the highly invasive freshwater mussel Limnoperna fortunei. The results indicated that the structure characteristics of adhesive plaque, proximal and distal threads were conducive to byssus adhesion, contributing to the high biofouling capacity of this species. The 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-α-alanine (Dopa) is a major post-transnationally modification in L. fortunei byssus. We identified 16 representative foot proteins with typical repetitive motifs and conserved domains by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. In these proteins, Lfbp-1, Lffp-2, and Lfbp-3 were specially located in foot tissue and highly expressed in the rapid byssus formation period, suggesting the involvement of these foot proteins in byssus production and adhesion. Multiple metal irons, including Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, and Fe³⁺, were abundant in both foot tissue and byssal thread. The heavy metals in these irons may be directly accumulated by L. fortunei from surrounding environments. Nevertheless, some metal ions (e.g., Ca²⁺) corresponded well with amino acid preferences of L. fortunei foot proteins, suggesting functional roles of these metal ions by interacting with foot proteins in byssus adhesion. Overall, this study provides structural and molecular bases of adhesive mechanisms of byssus in L. fortunei, and findings here are expected to develop strategies against biofouling by freshwater organisms.

Metal-Tunable Self-Assembly of Hierarchical Structure in Mussel-Inspired Peptide Films

Bottom-up control over structural hierarchy from the nanoscale through the macroscale is a critical aspect of biological materials fabrication and function, which can inspire production of advanced materials. Mussel byssal threads are a prime example of protein-based biofibers in which hierarchical organization of protein building blocks coupled via metal complexation leads to notable mechanical behaviors, such as high toughness and self-healing. Using a natural amino acid sequence from byssal thread proteins, which functions as a pH-triggered self-assembly point, we created free-standing peptide films with complex hierarchical organization across multiple length scales that can be controlled by inclusion of metal ions (Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺) during the assembly process. Additionally, analysis of film mechanical performance indicates that metal coordination bestows up to an order of magnitude increase in material stiffness, providing a paradigm for creating tunable polymeric materials with multiscale organizational structure.

Progress in bio-inspired sacrificial bonds in artificial polymeric materials

Mimicking natural structures has been highly pursued in the fabrication of synthetic polymeric materials due to its potential in breaking the bottlenecks in mechanical properties and extending the applications of polymeric materials. Recently, it has been revealed that the energy dissipating mechanisms via sacrificial bonds are among the important factors which account for strong and tough attributes of natural materials. Great progress in synthesis of polymeric materials consisting of sacrificial bonds has been achieved. The present review aims at (1) summarizing progress in the mechanics and chemistry of sacrificial bond bearing polymers, (2) describing the mechanisms of sacrificial bonds in strengthening/toughening polymers based on studies by single-molecule force spectroscopy, chromophore incorporation and constitutive laws, (3) presenting synthesis methods for sacrificial bonding including dual-crosslink, dual/multiple-network, and sacrificial interfaces, (4) discussing the important advances in engineering sacrificial bonding into hydrogels, biomimetic structures and elastomers, and (5) suggesting future works on molecular simulation, viscoelasticity, construction of sacrificial interfaces and sacrificial bonds with high dissociative temperature. It is hoped that this review will provide guidance for further development of sacrificial bonding strategies in polymeric materials.

A cohort of new adhesive proteins identified from transcriptomic analysis of mussel foot glands

The adaptive attachment of marine mussels to a wide range of substrates in a high-energy, saline environment has been explored for decades and is a significant driver of bioinspired wet adhesion research. Mussel attachment relies on a fibrous holdfast known as the byssus, which is made by a specialized appendage called the foot. Multiple adhesive and structural proteins are rapidly synthesized, secreted and moulded by the foot into holdfast threads. About 10 well-characterized proteins, namely the mussel foot proteins (Mfps), the preCols and the thread matrix proteins, are reported as representing the bulk of these structures. To explore how robust this proposition is, we sequenced the transcriptome of the glandular tissues that produce and secrete the various holdfast components using next-generation sequencing methods. Surprisingly, we found around 15 highly expressed genes that have not previously been characterized, but bear key similarities to the previously defined mussel foot proteins, suggesting additional contribution to byssal function. We verified the validity of these transcripts by polymerase chain reaction, cloning and Sanger sequencing as well as confirming their presence as proteins in the byssus. These newly identified proteins greatly expand the palette of mussel holdfast biochemistry and provide new targets for investigation into bioinspired wet adhesion.

A translation of the structure of mussel byssal threads into synthetic materials by the utilization of histidine-rich block copolymers

The self-healing capacities of mussel-inspired metallopolymers based on block copolymers containing histidine are briefly presented.

The byssus threads of Pinna nobilis: A histochemical and ultrastructural study

The byssus of Pinna nobilis, the largest bivalve mollusc in the Mediterranean Sea, was investigated by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). At low magnification, the byssus threads appeared distinctively elliptical in cross-section, with a typical size approaching 50 x 25 micron and a featureless glassy appearance. Histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques confirmed the presence of elastic domains but the absence of collagen, which is known to be the main component in other molluscs. Ultrastructural analysis by TEM revealed the presence of at least two components within the thread, and an inner arrangement of straight, tightly packed longitudinal streaks. SEM observations while confirming the inner packing of straight, parallel subfibrils, suggested in the fracture surfaces the presence of unidentified substance which cemented together the same subfibrils and which was removed by exposure to extreme pH values. AFM micrographs added further evidence for the tight packing of subfibrils and provided some evidence of orthogonal, barely visible connecting structures. Finally, HCl or NaOH treatment left the subfibrils clean and free from any other component.Â.

Rapid self-assembly of complex biomolecular architectures during mussel byssus biofabrication

Protein-based biogenic materials provide important inspiration for the development of high-performance polymers. The fibrous mussel byssus, for instance, exhibits exceptional wet adhesion, abrasion resistance, toughness and self-healing capacity-properties that arise from an intricate hierarchical organization formed in minutes from a fluid secretion of over 10 different protein precursors. However, a poor understanding of this dynamic biofabrication process has hindered effective translation of byssus design principles into synthetic materials. Here, we explore mussel byssus assembly in Mytilus edulis using a synergistic combination of histological staining and confocal Raman microspectroscopy, enabling in situ tracking of specific proteins during induced thread formation from soluble precursors to solid fibres. Our findings reveal critical insights into this complex biological manufacturing process, showing that protein precursors spontaneously self-assemble into complex architectures, while maturation proceeds in subsequent regulated steps. Beyond their biological importance, these findings may guide development of advanced materials with biomedical and industrial relevance.

Rapid self-assembly of complex biomolecular architectures during mussel byssus biofabrication

Protein-based biogenic materials provide important inspiration for the development of high-performance polymers. The fibrous mussel byssus, for instance, exhibits exceptional wet adhesion, abrasion resistance, toughness and self-healing capacity–properties that arise from an intricate hierarchical organization formed in minutes from a fluid secretion of over 10 different protein precursors. However, a poor understanding of this dynamic biofabrication process has hindered effective translation of byssus design principles into synthetic materials. Here, we explore mussel byssus assembly in Mytilus edulis using a synergistic combination of histological staining and confocal Raman microspectroscopy, enabling in situ tracking of specific proteins during induced thread formation from soluble precursors to solid fibres. Our findings reveal critical insights into this complex biological manufacturing process, showing that protein precursors spontaneously self-assemble into complex architectures, while maturation proceeds in subsequent regulated steps. Beyond their biological importance, these findings may guide development of advanced materials with biomedical and industrial relevance.

Mussels attach to rocks using a byssus, which possesses unique properties of adhesion, toughness and self-healing. Here, the authors explore the fabrication process of mussel byssus demonstrating the self-assembly of specific proteins into multi-scale organized structures using artificially induced byssus threads.

Interspecies comparison of the mechanical properties and biochemical composition of byssal threads

Several bivalve species produce byssus threads to provide attachment to substrates, with mechanical properties highly variable among species. Here, we examined the distal section of byssal threads produced by a range of bivalve species (Mytilus edulis, Mytilus trossulus, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Mytilus californianus, Pinna nobilis, Perna perna, Xenostrobus securis, Brachidontes solisianus and Isognomon bicolor) collected from different nearshore environments. Morphological and mechanical properties were measured, and biochemical analyses were performed. Multivariate redundancy analyses on mechanical properties revealed that byssal threads of M. californianus, M. galloprovincialis and P. nobilis have very distinct mechanical behaviors compared to the remaining species. Extensibility, strength and force were the main variables separating these species groups, which were highest for M. californianus and lowest for P. nobilis. Furthermore, the analysis of the amino acid composition revealed that I. bicolor and P. nobilis threads are significantly different from the other species, suggesting a different underlying structural strategy. Determination of metal contents showed that the individual concentration of inorganic elements varies but that the dominant elements are conserved between species. Altogether, this bivalve species comparison suggests some molecular bases for the biomechanical characteristics of byssal fibers that may reflect phylogenetic limitations.

Recent approaches in designing bioadhesive materials inspired by mussel adhesive protein

Marine mussels secret protein-based adhesives, which enable them to anchor to various surfaces in a saline, intertidal zone. Mussel foot proteins (Mfps) contain a large abundance of a unique, catecholic amino acid, Dopa, in their protein sequences. Catechol offers robust and durable adhesion to various substrate surfaces and contributes to the curing of the adhesive plaques. In this article, we review the unique features and the key functionalities of Mfps, catechol chemistry, and strategies for preparing catechol-functionalized polymers. Specifically, we reviewed recent findings on the contributions of various features of Mfps on interfacial binding, which include coacervate formation, surface drying properties, control of the oxidation state of catechol, among other features. We also summarized recent developments in designing advanced biomimetic materials including coacervate-forming adhesives, mechanically improved nano- and micro-composite adhesive hydrogels, as well as smart and self-healing materials. Finally, we review the applications of catechol-functionalized materials for the use as biomedical adhesives, therapeutic applications, and antifouling coatings. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 9-33.

Biotechnological production of the mussel byssus derived collagen preColD

preColD, a mussel byssus derived structural protein with a central collagen, was successfully produced recombinantly in the yeast Pichia pastoris. It shows stable beta-sheet secondary structure (based on its silk-like terminal domains) and undergoes fibrillization as the natural preCols.

Enabling Design of Advanced Elastomer with Bioinspired Metal-Oxygen Coordination

It poses a huge challenge to expand the application gallery of rubbers into advanced smart materials and achieve the reinforcement simultaneously. In the present work, inspired by the metal-ligand complexations of mussel byssus, ferric ion was introduced into an oxygen-abundant rubber network to create additional metal-oxygen coordination cross-links. Such complexation has been revealed to be highly efficient in enhancing the strength and toughness of the rubbers. Significantly, such complexation also enables the functionalization of the rubber into highly damping or excellent multishape memory materials. We envision that the present work offers an efficient yet facile way of creating advanced elastomers based on industrially available diene-based rubber.

Rupture dynamics in model polymer systems

In this paper we explore the rupture dynamics of a model polymer system to capture the microscopic mechanism during relative motion of surfaces at the single polymer level. Our model is similar to the model for friction introduced by Filippov, Klafter, and Urbakh [Filippov et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 2004, 92, 135503]; but with an important generalization to a flexible transducer (modelled as a bead spring polymer) which is attached to a fixed rigid planar substrate by interconnecting bonds (modelled as harmonic springs), and pulled by a constant force FT. Bonds are allowed to rupture stochastically. The model is simulated, and the results for a certain set of parameters exhibit a sequential rupture mechanism resulting in rupture fronts. A mean field formalism is developed to study these rupture fronts and the possible propagating solutions for the coupled bead and bond dynamics, where the coupling excludes an exact analytical treatment. Numerical solutions to mean field equations are obtained by standard numerical techniques, and they agree well with the simulation results which show sequential rupture. Within a travelling wave formalism based on the Tanh method, we show that the velocity of the rupture front can be obtained in closed form. The derived expression for the rupture front velocity gives good agreement with the stochastic and mean field results, when the rupture is sequential, while propagating solutions for bead and bond dynamics are shown to agree under certain conditions.

Weak reversible cross links may decrease the strength of aligned fiber bundles

Reversible cross-linking is an effective strategy to specifically tailor the mechanical properties of polymeric materials that can be found in a variety of biological as well as man-made materials. Using a simple model in this paper the influence of weak, reversible cross-links on the mechanical properties of aligned fiber bundles is investigated. Special emphasis in this analysis is put on the strength of the investigated structures. Using Monte Carlo methods two topologies of cross-links exceeding the strength of the covalent backbone are studied. Most surprisingly only two cross-links are sufficient to break the backbone of a multi chain system, resulting in a reduced strength of the material. The found effect crucially depends on the ratio of inter- to intra-chain cross-links and, thus, on the grafting density that determines this ratio.

Dynamic Response of a Single Interface in a Biocomposite Structure

Biological composite materials are known to be tough, stiff, stable, viscoelastic bodies, that can creep, recover, absorb energy, and filter vibrations. Their multifunctionality is associated with their architectures, which often consist of mineral units surrounded by organic interfaces that play a key role in the performance of the entire composite. However, the confinement and small dimensions of these organic interfaces pose a challenge in measuring their physical properties by direct methods. We propose an indirect, experimental-analytical framework by which to probe the elastic and viscoelastic behavior of an individual interface. We demonstrate this framework on thin organic interfaces in the shell Pinna nobilis, and discuss its possible uses in various other micro- and nanoscale composite systems.