1
|
Lyu Y, Pang Y, Liu T, Sun W. Determining hyperelastic properties of the constituents of the mussel byssus system. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2442-2454. [PMID: 38353422 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01677c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Lyu
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK.
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Yong Pang
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Tao Liu
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Wei Sun
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Quinaz T, Freire TF, Olmos A, Martins M, Ferreira FBN, de Moura MFSM, Zille A, Nguyễn Q, Xavier J, Dourado N. The Influence of Hydroxyapatite Crystals on the Viscoelastic Behavior of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Braid Systems. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:93. [PMID: 38392139 PMCID: PMC10886535 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9020093] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Composites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the shape of braids, in combination with crystals of hydroxyapatite (HAp), were analyzed to perceive the influence of this bioceramic on both the quasi-static and viscoelastic behavior under tensile loading. Analyses involving energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed us to conclude that the production of a homogeneous layer of HAp on the braiding surface and the calcium/phosphate atomic ratio were comparable to those of natural bone. The maximum degradation temperature established by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a modest decrease with the addition of HAp. By adding HAp to PVA braids, an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) is noticed, as demonstrated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The PVA/HAp composite braids' peaks were validated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to be in good agreement with common PVA and HAp patterns. PVA/HAp braids, a solution often used in the textile industry, showed superior overall mechanical characteristics in monotonic tensile tests. Creep and relaxation testing showed that adding HAp to the eight and six-braided yarn architectures was beneficial. By exhibiting good mechanical performance and most likely increased biological qualities that accompany conventional care for bone applications in the fracture healing field, particularly multifragmentary ones, these arrangements can be applied as a fibrous fixation system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Quinaz
- CMEMS-UMinho, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Campus de Azurém, Universidade do Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Tânia F Freire
- CMEMS-UMinho, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Campus de Azurém, Universidade do Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andrea Olmos
- CMEMS-UMinho, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Campus de Azurém, Universidade do Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marcos Martins
- INESC TEC, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando B N Ferreira
- 2C2T-Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, Departamento de Engenharia Têxtil, Campus de Azurém, Universidade do Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marcelo F S M de Moura
- Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-464 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrea Zille
- 2C2T-Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, Departamento de Engenharia Têxtil, Campus de Azurém, Universidade do Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Quyền Nguyễn
- 2C2T-Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, Departamento de Engenharia Têxtil, Campus de Azurém, Universidade do Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - José Xavier
- UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- LASI, Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Dourado
- CMEMS-UMinho, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Campus de Azurém, Universidade do Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Laboratório Associado, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liao Y, Wang J, Lyu J, Jiang W, Wu Z, Wu J. High stability in filtration apparatus of African shrimp. iScience 2023; 26:107444. [PMID: 37599830 PMCID: PMC10432203 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The African shrimp (Atya gabonensis) uses elongated setae to filter feed, adapting to high flow velocities. The setae's stability stems from carefully designed geometric and structural parameters, notably a specialized wall and distribution principle. This study highlights the robust filtration mechanism in the shrimp and potential for developing stable structures in underwater environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Liao
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 528464, China
| | - Ji Wang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 528464, China
| | - Jun Lyu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 528464, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 528464, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 528464, China
| | - Jianing Wu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 528464, China
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 528464, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Youssef L, Renner-Rao M, Eren ED, Jehle F, Harrington MJ. Fabrication of Tunable Mechanical Gradients by Mussels via Bottom-Up Self-Assembly of Collagenous Precursors. ACS NANO 2023; 17:2294-2305. [PMID: 36657382 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Functionally graded interfaces are prominent in biological tissues and are used to mitigate stress concentrations at junctions between mechanically dissimilar components. Biological mechanical gradients serve as important role models for bioinspired design in technically and biomedically relevant applications. However, this necessitates elucidating exactly how natural gradients mitigate mechanical mismatch and how such gradients are fabricated. Here, we applied a cross-disciplinary experimental approach to understand structure, function, and formation of mechanical gradients in byssal threads─collagen-based fibers used by marine mussels to anchor on hard surfaces. The proximal end of threads is approximately 50-fold less stiff and twice as extensible as the distal end. However, the hierarchical structure of the distal-proximal junction is still not fully elucidated, and it is unclear how it is formed. Using tensile testing coupled with video extensometry, confocal Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy on native threads, we identified a continuous graded transition in mechanics, composition, and nanofibrillar morphology, which extends several hundreds of microns and which can vary significantly between individual threads. Furthermore, we performed in vitro fiber assembly experiments using purified secretory vesicles from the proximal and distal regions of the secretory glands (which contain different precursor proteins), revealing spontaneous self-assembly of distinctive distal- and proximal-like fiber morphologies. Aside from providing fundamental insights into the byssus structure, function, and fabrication, our findings reveal key design principles for bioinspired design of functionally graded polymeric materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Youssef
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Max Renner-Rao
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Egemen Deniz Eren
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Franziska Jehle
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Matthew J Harrington
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lemanis R, Tadayon K, Reich E, Joshi G, Johannes Best R, Stevens K, Zlotnikov I. Wet shells and dry tales: the evolutionary 'Just-So' stories behind the structure-function of biominerals. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220336. [PMID: 35702864 PMCID: PMC9198522 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of evolution to shape organic form involves the interactions of multiple systems of constraints, including fabrication, phylogeny and function. The tendency to place function above everything else has characterized some of the historical biological literature as a series of ‘Just-So’ stories that provided untested explanations for individual features of an organism. A similar tendency occurs in biomaterials research, where features for which a mechanical function can be postulated are treated as an adaptation. Moreover, functional adaptation of an entire structure is often discussed based on the local characterization of specimens kept in conditions that are far from those in which they evolved. In this work, environmental- and frequency-dependent mechanical characterization of the shells of two cephalopods, Nautilus pompilius and Argonauta argo, is used to demonstrate the importance of multi-scale environmentally controlled characterization of biogenic materials. We uncover two mechanistically independent strategies to achieve deformable, stiff, strong and tough highly mineralized structures. These results are then used to critique interpretations of adaptation in the literature. By integrating the hierarchical nature of biological structures and the environment in which they exist, biomaterials testing can be a powerful tool for generating functional hypotheses that should be informed by how these structures are fabricated and their evolutionary history.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lemanis
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kian Tadayon
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elke Reich
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gargi Joshi
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Richard Johannes Best
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kevin Stevens
- Institut für Geologie, Mineralogie und Geophysik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Igor Zlotnikov
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Areyano M, Valois E, Sanchez Carvajal I, Rajkovic I, Wonderly WR, Kossa A, McMeeking RM, Waite JH. Viscoelastic analysis of mussel threads reveals energy dissipative mechanisms. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20210828. [PMID: 35317655 PMCID: PMC8941394 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Areyano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Eric Valois
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Ismael Sanchez Carvajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Ivan Rajkovic
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - William R. Wonderly
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Attila Kossa
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Robert M. McMeeking
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - J. Herbert Waite
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu C, Zhang R. Identification of novel adhesive proteins in pearl oyster by proteomic and bioinformatic analysis. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:299-308. [PMID: 33761798 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1901890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Byssuses, which are proteinaceous fibers secreted by mollusks, are remarkable underwater adhesives. Although mussel adhesives are well known, much less is known about the byssal proteins of pearl oysters especially in the adhesive regions. In this study, adhesive proteins from the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata were studied in depth by transcriptomics and proteomics approaches. In total, 16 novel proteins were identified including a von Willebrand factor type A domain-containing protein, a thrombospondin-1-like protein, tyrosinase, mucin-like proteins, protease inhibitors, and Pinctada unannotated foot protein 3 (PUF3) to PUF6. Interestingly, PUF3-6 are enriched with glycine, serine, and PXG (X = F/Y/W/K/L) motifs and are highly expressed in the foot. The identification of byssal proteins of the pearl oyster is a key step for understanding byssus formation and may inspire the synthesis of novel adhesives for underwater use and the development of anti-biofouling strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongqing Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fertuzinhos A, Teixeira MA, Ferreira MG, Fernandes R, Correia R, Malheiro AR, Flores P, Zille A, Dourado N. Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour of Human Nasal Cartilage. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12010177. [PMID: 31936593 PMCID: PMC7023433 DOI: 10.3390/polym12010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to undergo a comprehensive analysis of the thermo-mechanical properties of nasal cartilages for the future design of a composite polymeric material to be used in human nose reconstruction surgery. A thermal and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in tension and compression modes within the ranges 1 to 20 Hz and 30 °C to 250 °C was performed on human nasal cartilage. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as characterization of the nasal septum (NS), upper lateral cartilages (ULC), and lower lateral cartilages (LLC) reveals the different nature of the binding water inside the studied specimens. Three peaks at 60–80 °C, 100–130 °C, and 200 °C were attributed to melting of the crystalline region of collagen matrix, water evaporation, and the strongly bound non-interstitial water in the cartilage and composite specimens, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the degradation of cartilage, composite, and subcutaneous tissue of the NS, ULC, and LLC take place in three thermal events (~37 °C, ~189 °C, and ~290 °C) showing that cartilage releases more water and more rapidly than the subcutaneous tissue. The water content of nasal cartilage was estimated to be 42 wt %. The results of the DMA analyses demonstrated that tensile mode is ruled by flow-independent behaviour produced by the time-dependent deformability of the solid cartilage matrix that is strongly frequency-dependent, showing an unstable crystalline region between 80–180 °C, an amorphous region at around 120 °C, and a clear glass transition point at 200 °C (780 kJ/mol). Instead, the unconfined compressive mode is clearly ruled by a flow-dependent process caused by the frictional force of the interstitial fluid that flows within the cartilage matrix resulting in higher stiffness (from 12 MPa at 1 Hz to 16 MPa at 20 Hz in storage modulus). The outcomes of this study will support the development of an artificial material to mimic the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the natural cartilage of the human nose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aureliano Fertuzinhos
- CMEMS-UMinho, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal; (A.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Marta A. Teixeira
- 2C2T—Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal; (M.A.T.); (A.Z.)
| | - Miguel Goncalves Ferreira
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Santo António Hospital, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Rui Fernandes
- HEMS—Histology and Electron Microscopy, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.F.); (R.C.); (A.R.M.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rossana Correia
- HEMS—Histology and Electron Microscopy, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.F.); (R.C.); (A.R.M.)
- Ipatimup—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Malheiro
- HEMS—Histology and Electron Microscopy, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.F.); (R.C.); (A.R.M.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Flores
- CMEMS-UMinho, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal; (A.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Andrea Zille
- 2C2T—Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal; (M.A.T.); (A.Z.)
| | - Nuno Dourado
- CMEMS-UMinho, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal; (A.F.); (P.F.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pasche D, Horbelt N, Marin F, Motreuil S, Macías-Sánchez E, Falini G, Hwang DS, Fratzl P, Harrington MJ. A new twist on sea silk: the peculiar protein ultrastructure of fan shell and pearl oyster byssus. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:5654-5664. [PMID: 29946583 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00821c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Pasche
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam 14424, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Diana A, Reguzzoni M, Congiu T, Rescigno A, Sollai F, Raspanti M. The byssus threads of Pinna nobilis: A histochemical and ultrastructural study. Eur J Histochem 2017; 61:2779. [PMID: 29313595 PMCID: PMC5695422 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2017.2779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Diana
- University of Cagliari, Department of Biomedical Sciences.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hamada NA, Roman VA, Howell SM, Wilker JJ. Examining Potential Active Tempering of Adhesive Curing by Marine Mussels. Biomimetics (Basel) 2017; 2:biomimetics2030016. [PMID: 31105179 PMCID: PMC6352656 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics2030016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mussels generate adhesives for staying in place when faced with waves and turbulence of the intertidal zone. Their byssal attachment assembly consists of adhesive plaques connected to the animal by threads. We have noticed that, every now and then, the animals tug on their plaque and threads. This observation had us wondering if the mussels temper or otherwise control catechol chemistry within the byssus in order to manage mechanical properties of the materials. Here, we carried out a study in which the adhesion properties of mussel plaques were compared when left attached to the animals versus detached and exposed only to an aquarium environment. For the most part, detachment from the animal had almost no influence on the mechanical properties on low-energy surfaces. There was a slight, yet significant difference observed with attached versus detached adhesive properties on high energy surfaces. There were significant differences in the area of adhesive deposited by the mussels on a low- versus a high-energy surface. Mussel adhesive plaques appear to be unlike, for example, spider silk, for which pulling on the material is needed for assembly of proteinaceous fibers to manage properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Hamada
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084, USA.
| | - Victor A Roman
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084, USA.
| | - Steven M Howell
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084, USA.
| | - Jonathan J Wilker
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084, USA.
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, 701 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reinecke A, Bertinetti L, Fratzl P, Harrington MJ. Cooperative behavior of a sacrificial bond network and elastic framework in providing self-healing capacity in mussel byssal threads. J Struct Biol 2016; 196:329-339. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
13
|
Nagananda GS, Suryan S, Reddy N. Extraordinary structure and properties of mussel byssus protein fibers. BIOINSPIRED BIOMIMETIC AND NANOBIOMATERIALS 2016. [DOI: 10.1680/jbibn.15.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A naturally available single protein fiber that is stiff and strong at one end but at the same time highly flexible with moderate strength at the other end is quite exceptional. Such exceptional protein fibers called byssus threads are produced by mussels. A unique arrangement of collagen proteins along the length of the fibers and a specific amount and distribution of the β-sheet and α-helix regions provide extraordinary properties to byssus threads. Due to the unique configuration of the threads and a distinct adhesive plaque, mussels are able to adhere to substrates and withstand large amounts of external forces. However, significant variations in composition and tensile properties exist between the mussels threads obtained from different species and even along the length of a single byssal thread. Similarly, environmental conditions such as the presence of salt water and chemicals affect the properties of the fibers. Extensive studies have been done to understand the composition, the structure and the properties of the byssal threads. This review provides an insight into the unique structure and properties of the byssal threads and discusses the potential of developing biomimetic materials based on the mussel byssal threads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. S. Nagananda
- Center for Emerging Technologies, Jain University, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sandeep Suryan
- Center for Emerging Technologies, Jain University, Bengaluru, India
| | - Narendra Reddy
- Center for Emerging Technologies, Jain University, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu C, Li S, Huang J, Liu Y, Jia G, Xie L, Zhang R. Extensible byssus of Pinctada fucata: Ca(2+)-stabilized nanocavities and a thrombospondin-1 protein. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15018. [PMID: 26446436 PMCID: PMC4597212 DOI: 10.1038/srep15018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The extensible byssus is produced by the foot of bivalve animals, including the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata, and enables them to attach to hard underwater surfaces. However, the mechanism of their extensibility is not well understood. To understand this mechanism, we analyzed the ultrastructure, composition and mechanical properties of the P. fucata byssus using electron microscopy, elemental analysis, proteomics and mechanical testing. In contrast to the microstructures of Mytilus sp. byssus, the P. fucata byssus has an exterior cuticle without granules and an inner core with nanocavities. The removal of Ca2+ by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) treatment expands the nanocavities and reduces the extensibility of the byssus, which is accompanied by a decrease in the β-sheet conformation of byssal proteins. Through proteomic methods, several proteins with antioxidant and anti-corrosive properties were identified as the main components of the distal byssus regions. Specifically, a protein containing thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), which is highly expressed in the foot, is hypothesized to be responsible for byssus extensibility. Together, our findings demonstrate the importance of inorganic ions and multiple proteins for bivalve byssus extension, which could guide the future design of biomaterials for use in seawater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Liu
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Deep Sea Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China.,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Shiguo Li
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Deep Sea Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Jingliang Huang
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Deep Sea Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Yangjia Liu
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Deep Sea Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Ganchu Jia
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Deep Sea Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Liping Xie
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Deep Sea Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Rongqing Zhang
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Deep Sea Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hagenau A, Suhre MH, Scheibel TR. Nature as a blueprint for polymer material concepts: Protein fiber-reinforced composites as holdfasts of mussels. Prog Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
16
|
Hagenau A, Papadopoulos P, Kremer F, Scheibel T. Mussel collagen molecules with silk-like domains as load-bearing elements in distal byssal threads. J Struct Biol 2011; 175:339-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2011.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
17
|
Aldred N, Ekblad T, Andersson O, Liedberg B, Clare AS. Real-time quantification of microscale bioadhesion events in situ using imaging surface plasmon resonance (iSPR). ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2011; 3:2085-2091. [PMID: 21595456 DOI: 10.1021/am2003075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
From macro- to nanoscales, adhesion phenomena are all-pervasive in nature yet remain poorly understood. In recent years, studies of biological adhesion mechanisms, terrestrial and marine, have provided inspiration for "biomimetic" adhesion strategies and important insights for the development of fouling-resistant materials. Although the focus of most contemporary bioadhesion research is on large organisms such as marine mussels, insects and geckos, adhesion events on the micro/nanoscale are critical to our understanding of important underlying mechanisms. Observing and quantifying adhesion at this scale is particularly relevant for the development of biomedical implants and in the prevention of marine biofouling. However, such characterization has so far been restricted by insufficient quantities of material for biochemical analysis and the limitations of contemporary imaging techniques. Here, we introduce a recently developed optical method that allows precise determination of adhesive deposition by microscale organisms in situ and in real time; a capability not before demonstrated. In this extended study we used the cypris larvae of barnacles and a combination of conventional and imaging surface plasmon resonance techniques to observe and quantify adhesive deposition onto a range of model surfaces (CH(3)-, COOH-, NH(3)-, and mPEG-terminated SAMs and a PEGMA/HEMA hydrogel). We then correlated this deposition to passive adsorption of a putatively adhesive protein from barnacles. In this way, we were able to rank surfaces in order of effectiveness for preventing barnacle cyprid exploration and demonstrate the importance of observing the natural process of adhesion, rather than predicting surface effects from a model system. As well as contributing fundamentally to the knowledge on the adhesion and adhesives of barnacle larvae, a potential target for future biomimetic glues, this method also provides a versatile technique for laboratory testing of fouling-resistant chemistries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Aldred
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harrington MJ, Gupta HS, Fratzl P, Waite JH. 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. J Struct Biol 2009; 167:47-54. [PMID: 19275941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2009] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The byssal threads of the California mussel, Mytilus californianus, are highly hysteretic, elastomeric fibers that collectively perform a holdfast function in wave-swept rocky seashore habitats. Following cyclic loading past the mechanical yield point, threads exhibit a damage-dependent reduction in mechanical performance. However, the distal portion of the byssal thread is capable of recovering initial material properties through a time-dependent healing process in the absence of active cellular metabolism. Byssal threads are composed almost exclusively of multi-domain hybrid collagens known as preCols, which largely determine the mechanical properties of the thread. Here, the structure-property relationships that govern thread mechanical performance are further probed. The molecular rearrangements that occur during yield and damage repair were investigated using time-resolved in situ wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) coupled with cyclic tensile loading of threads and through thermally enhanced damage-repair studies. Results indicate that the collagen domains in byssal preCols are mechanically protected by the unfolding of sacrificial non-collagenous domains that refold on a slower time-scale. Time-dependent healing is primarily attributed to stochastic recoupling of broken histidine-metal coordination complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Harrington
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Phang IY, Aldred N, Clare AS, Vancso GJ. Towards a nanomechanical basis for temporary adhesion in barnacle cyprids (Semibalanus balanoides). J R Soc Interface 2008; 5:397-401. [PMID: 17971318 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2007.1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cypris larvae of barnacles are able to use a rapidly reversible temporary adhesion mechanism for exploring immersed surfaces. Despite decades of research interest, the means by which cyprids maintain attachment with surfaces prior to permanent settlement remain poorly understood. Here, we present novel observations on the morphology of 'footprints' of a putative adhesive secretion deposited by cyprids during surface exploration. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to image footprints at high resolution and to acquire measurements of interaction forces. R-CH3- and R-NH2-terminated glass surfaces were used for comparison of footprint morphology, and it was noted that on R-NH2 each footprint comprised three times the volume of material deposited for footprints on R-CH3. Direct scaling of adhesion forces derived from AFM measurements did not adequately predict the real attachment tenacity of cyprids, and it is suggested that a mixture of 'wet' and 'dry' adhesive mechanisms may be at work in cyprid adhesion. High-resolution images of cyprid footprints are presented that correlate well with the known morphology of the attachment structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In Yee Phang
- Department of Materials Science and Technology of Polymers, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|