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Smith AM, Flammang P. Analysis of the adhesive secreting cells of Arion subfuscus: insights into the role of microgels in a tough, fast-setting hydrogel glue. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4669-4680. [PMID: 38563822 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00071d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The slug Arion subfuscus produces a tough, highly adhesive defensive secretion. This secretion is a flexible hydrogel that is toughened by a double network mechanism. While synthetic double network gels typically require extensive time to prepare, this slug creates a tough gel in seconds. To gain insight into how the glue forms a double-network hydrogel so rapidly, the secretory apparatus of this slug was analyzed. The goal was to determine how the major components of the glue were distributed and mixed. Most of the glue comes from two types of large unicellular glands; one secretes polyanionic polysaccharides in small, membrane-bound packets, the other secretes proteins that appear to form a cross-linked network. The latter gland shows distinct regions where cross-linking appears to be occurring. These regions are darker, more homogeneous and appear more solid than the rest of the secretory material. The enzyme catalase is highly abundant in these regions, as are basic proteins. These results suggest that a rapid oxidation event occurs in this protein-containing gland, triggering cross-linking before the glue is released. The cross-linked microgels would then join together after secretion to form a granular hydrogel. The polysaccharide-filled packets would be mixed and interspersed among these microgels and may contribute to joining them together. This is an unexpected and highly effective way to form a tough gel rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Smith
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons 7000, Belgium
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2
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Peng Q, Gong X, Jiang R, Yang N, Chen R, Dai B, Wang R. Performance and characterization of snail adhesive mucus as a bioflocculant against toxic Microcystis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115921. [PMID: 38183749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Toxic Microcystis blooms are widespread in aquatic bodies, posing major threats to aquatic and human life. Recently, bioflocculants have attracted considerable attention as a promising biomaterial for Microcystis management. In search of a novel organism that can produce an efficient bioflocculant for controlling harmful algae sustainably, the native gastropod Cipangopaludina chinensis was co-cultured continuously with toxic Microcystis under different initial algal cell densities. The bioflocculation effect of snail mucus on toxic Microcystis, microcystin removal, and toxin accumulation in snails was investigated. In addition, the properties of the adhesive mucus were characterized using microscopic, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and polysaccharide and proteome analyses. Microcystis cells were captured and flocculated by the snail mucus; removal efficiencies of up to 89.9% and 84.8% were achieved for microalgae and microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), respectively, when co-cultured with C. chinensis for only one day. After nine-day exposure, less than 5.49 µg/kg DW microcystins accumulated in the snails, indicating safety for human consumption. The snail mucus contained 104.3 µg/mg protein and 72.7 µg/mg carbohydrate, which provide several functional groups beneficial for Microcystis bioflocculation. The main monosaccharide subunits of polysaccharides are galactose, galactosamine, glucosamine, fucose, glucose, and mannose. Most of them are key components of polysaccharides in many bioflocculants. Gene Ontology analysis indicated the protein enrichment in binding processes and catalytic activity, which may account for Microcystis bioflocculation via protein binding or enzymatic reactions. The findings indicate that native C. chinensis secretes adhesive mucus that can act as bioflocculant for toxic Microcystis from ambient water and can be an effective and eco-friendly tool for Microcystis suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring in Southwest (Sichuan Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xinyue Gong
- Key Laboratory of Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring in Southwest (Sichuan Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ruixin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring in Southwest (Sichuan Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Na Yang
- Key Laboratory of Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring in Southwest (Sichuan Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ruiting Chen
- Key Laboratory of Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring in Southwest (Sichuan Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Binglin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring in Southwest (Sichuan Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring in Southwest (Sichuan Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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3
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Krings W, Gorb SN. Particle binding capacity of snail saliva. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:185101. [PMID: 37955324 DOI: 10.1063/5.0176668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastropods forage with their radula, a thin chitinous membrane with embedded teeth, which scratch across the substrate to lose food particles. During this interaction, the risk of loosening particles is obvious without having a specialized mechanism holding them on the tooth surface. As mucus secretions are essential in molluscan life cycles and the locomotion and attachment gels are known to have an instant high adhesion, we have hypothesized that the saliva could support particle retention during feeding. As adhesion of snail saliva was not studied before, we present here an experimental setup to test its particle-binding capacity using a large land snail (Lissachatina fulica, Stylommatophora, Heterobranchia). This experiment was also applied to the gels produced by the snail foot for comparison and can be potentially applied to various fluids present at a small volume in the future. We found, that the saliva has high particle retention capacity that is comparable to the foot glue of the snail. To gain some insight into the properties of the saliva, we additionally studied it in the scanning electron microscope, estimated its viscosity in a de-wetting experiment, and investigated its elemental composition using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveling higher contents of Ca, Zn and other potential cross-linkers similar to those found in the glue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencke Krings
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstraße 12, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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Liegertová M, Malý J. Gastropod Mucus: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biological Activities, Applications, and Strategic Priorities. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5567-5579. [PMID: 37751898 PMCID: PMC10566510 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial gastropod mucus exhibits multifunctional attributes, enabling diverse applications. This comprehensive review integrates insights across biomedicine, biotechnology, and intellectual property to elucidate the bioactivities, physicochemical properties, and ecological roles of snail and slug mucus. Following an overview of mucus functional roles in gastropods, promising applications are highlighted in wound healing, antimicrobials, biomaterials, and cosmetics, alongside key challenges. An analysis of global patent trends reveals surging innovation efforts to leverage gastropod mucus. Strategic priorities include bioprospecting natural diversity, optimizing stabilization systems, recombinant biosynthesis, and fostering collaboration to translate promising potentials sustainably into impactful technologies. Ultimately, harnessing the remarkable multifunctionality of gastropod mucus holds immense opportunities for transformative innovations in biomedicine, biotechnology, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Liegertová
- Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně
University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, Ústí nad Labem 400 96, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně
University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, Ústí nad Labem 400 96, Czech Republic
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5
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Baer A, Hoffmann I, Mahmoudi N, Poulhazan A, Harrington MJ, Mayer G, Schmidt S, Schneck E. The Internal Structure of the Velvet Worm Projectile Slime: A Small-Angle Scattering Study. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300516. [PMID: 36828797 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
For prey capture and defense, velvet worms eject an adhesive slime which has been established as a model system for recyclable complex liquids. Triggered by mechanical agitation, the liquid bio-adhesive rapidly transitions into solid fibers. In order to understand this mechanoresponsive behavior, here, the nanostructural organization of slime components are studied using small-angle scattering with neutrons and X-rays. The scattering intensities are successfully described with a three-component model accounting for proteins of two dominant molecular weight fractions and nanoscale globules. In contrast to the previous assumption that high molecular weight proteins-the presumed building blocks of the fiber core-are contained in the nanoglobules, it is found that the majority of slime proteins exist freely in solution. Only less than 10% of the slime proteins are contained in the nanoglobules, necessitating a reassessment of their function in fiber formation. Comparing scattering data of slime re-hydrated with light and heavy water reveals that the majority of lipids in slime are contained in the nanoglobules with homogeneous distribution. Vibrating mechanical impact under exclusion of air neither leads to formation of fibers nor alters the bulk structure of slime significantly, suggesting that interfacial phenomena and directional shearing are required for fiber formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, D-34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Ingo Hoffmann
- Spectroscopy Group, Institut Laue-Langevin, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Group, ISIS Neutron & Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Alexandre Poulhazan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, QC, H2X 2J6, Canada
| | | | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, D-34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Stephan Schmidt
- Chemistry Department, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emanuel Schneck
- Physics Department, Technische Universität Darmstadt, D-64289, Darmstadt, Germany
- Biomaterials Department, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, D-14476, Potsdam, Germany
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6
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Sutradhar S, Fatehi P. Latest development in the fabrication and use of lignin-derived humic acid. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:38. [PMID: 36882875 PMCID: PMC9989592 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Humic substances (HS) are originated from naturally decaying biomass. The main products of HS are humic acids, fulvic acids, and humins. HS are extracted from natural origins (e.g., coals, lignite, forest, and river sediments). However, the production of HS from these resources is not environmentally friendly, potentially impacting ecological systems. Earlier theories claimed that the HS might be transformed from lignin by enzymatic or aerobic oxidation. On the other hand, lignin is a by-product of pulp and paper production processes and is available commercially. However, it is still under-utilized. To address the challenges of producing environmentally friendly HS and accommodating lignin in valorized processes, the production of lignin-derived HS has attracted attention. Currently, several chemical modification pathways can be followed to convert lignin into HS-like materials, such as alkaline aerobic oxidation, alkaline oxidative digestion, and oxidative ammonolysis of lignin. This review paper discusses the fundamental aspects of lignin transformation to HS comprehensively. The applications of natural HS and lignin-derived HS in various fields, such as soil enrichment, fertilizers, wastewater treatment, water decontamination, and medicines, were comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, the current challenges associated with the production and use of HS from lignin were described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikanta Sutradhar
- Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Pedram Fatehi
- Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada.
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7
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Liegertová M, Semerádtová A, Kocholatá M, Průšová M, Němcová L, Štofik M, Kříženecká S, Malý J, Janoušková O. Mucus-derived exosome-like vesicles from the Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris): taking advantage of invasive pest species in biotechnology. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21768. [PMID: 36526668 PMCID: PMC9870906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The slug Arion vulgaris has attracted major attention as one of the worst invasive herbivore pests in Europe and is renowned for the stiff mucus it secretes for locomotion. In this study we focused on the isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes and exosome-like vesicles, from Arion secretions. We developed a method for slug mucus collection and subsequent vesicle isolation by ultracentrifugation. The isolated vesicles with an average diameter of ~ 100 nm carry abundant proteins and short RNAs, as well as adhesion molecules similar to mammalian galectins. We demonstrated that the slug extracellular vesicles are internalised by plant cells and human cancer cells in in vitro assays and are loadable by bioactive compounds, which makes them an interesting tool for utilisation in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Liegertová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic ,grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Semerádtová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kocholatá
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Průšová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Němcová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Marcel Štofik
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Sylvie Kříženecká
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Janoušková
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
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8
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Melrose J. High Performance Marine and Terrestrial Bioadhesives and the Biomedical Applications They Have Inspired. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248982. [PMID: 36558114 PMCID: PMC9783952 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study has reviewed the naturally occurring bioadhesives produced in marine and freshwater aqueous environments and in the mucinous exudates of some terrestrial animals which have remarkable properties providing adhesion under difficult environmental conditions. These bioadhesives have inspired the development of medical bioadhesives with impressive properties that provide an effective alternative to suturing surgical wounds improving closure and healing of wounds in technically demanding tissues such as the heart, lung and soft tissues like the brain and intestinal mucosa. The Gecko has developed a dry-adhesive system of exceptional performance and has inspired the development of new generation re-usable tapes applicable to many medical procedures. The silk of spider webs has been equally inspiring to structural engineers and materials scientists and has revealed innovative properties which have led to new generation technologies in photonics, phononics and micro-electronics in the development of wearable biosensors. Man made products designed to emulate the performance of these natural bioadhesive molecules are improving wound closure and healing of problematic lesions such as diabetic foot ulcers which are notoriously painful and have also found application in many other areas in biomedicine. Armed with information on the mechanistic properties of these impressive biomolecules major advances are expected in biomedicine, micro-electronics, photonics, materials science, artificial intelligence and robotics technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia;
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern Campus, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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9
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Christoforo C, Fleming B, Zeitler M, Haws H, Smith AM. Metal-binding proteins and cross-linking in the defensive glue of the slug Arion subfuscus. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220611. [PMID: 36415975 PMCID: PMC9682298 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of metals in forming the primary cross-links in slug glue was investigated. Several metal-binding proteins were identified in the defensive glue produced by the slug Arion subfuscus. Notably, the C-lectins that are unique to the glue are iron-binding proteins. This is unusual for C-lectins. Dissociating these proteins from iron does not affect the glue's stiffness. Similarly, several proteins that can bind to zinc were identified, but dissociating the proteins from zinc did not weaken the glue. These results suggest that metal coordination is not involved in the primary cross-links of this hydrogel glue. The stable cross-links that provide stiffness are more likely to be created by a catalytic event involving protein oxidation. Cross-linking was unexpectedly difficult to prevent. Collecting the glue into a large volume of ice-cold buffer with reagents aimed at inhibiting oxidative cross-linking caused a slight loss of cross-linking, as demonstrated by the appearance of uncross-linked proteins in native gel electrophoresis. Notable among these was a protein that is normally heavily oxidized (asmp165). Nevertheless, this effect was not large, suggesting that the primary cross-links form before secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth Fleming
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Haley Haws
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, USA
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10
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Long S, Xie C, Lu X. Natural polymer‐based adhesive hydrogel for biomedical applications. BIOSURFACE AND BIOTRIBOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1049/bsb2.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Long
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
- Yibin Research Institute Southwest Jiaotong University Yibin China
| | - Chaoming Xie
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
- Yibin Research Institute Southwest Jiaotong University Yibin China
| | - Xiong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
- Yibin Research Institute Southwest Jiaotong University Yibin China
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11
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Newar J, Verma S, Ghatak A. Effect of Metals on Underwater Adhesion of Gastropod Adhesive Mucus. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:15580-15589. [PMID: 34179602 PMCID: PMC8223214 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c06132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many gastropods release mucus hydrogels, which help them to remain attached to different substrates. Although not as strong as synthetic or biomimetic adhesives, some of these hydrogels have the ability to adhere to wet surfaces. These complex hydrogels mainly consist of proteins and carbohydrates, their natural cross-linking reactions being dependent on the presence of metals. In this paper, we investigated the role of metals in improving the underwater adhesive property of the mucus hydrogel from the slug Laevicaulis alte. We found that the strength and duration of attachment of two glass surfaces under water by the mucus hydrogel could be enhanced by its simple treatment with salts of metals, namely, Ca, Mg, Cu, or Zn. The degree of enhancement followed the order Ca2+ < Mg2+ < Zn2+ < Cu2+. The Cu2+-treated hydrogel kept two glass surfaces attached under water for about 20 days, while Zn2+ treatment caused attachment for about 15 days, as compared to the 3-5 days of attachment caused by the untreated gel. Treatment with both metals increased the underwater stability of the hydrogel almost threefold, presumably by strengthening its cross-linking. However, the Cu2+-treated hydrogel fell short of its adhesive function in the case of fast attachment within time scale of minutes, showing considerably low adhesive strength. From this study, we conclude that the treatment with Zn2+ is the best choice for improvement of the underwater adhesive property in terms of strength and stability. Overall, this work presents a novel biological underwater adhesive. The dynamic behavior of this multicomponent hydrogel in a versatile metal-rich environment may guide us toward designing new useful biomimetics.
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12
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Smith AM, Huynh P, Griffin S, Baughn M, Monka P. Strong, non-specific adhesion using C-lectin heterotrimers in a molluscan defensive secretion. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1440-1449. [PMID: 34048555 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The defensive mucus produced by the slug Arion subfuscus is tough and remarkably sticky. It spreads rapidly and adheres strongly to a wide range of surfaces. The adhesion is equally strong on wettable (glass) and non-wettable (plastic) surfaces. The adhesion appears to depend on a group of proteins that adsorb equally well to a wide range of different natural and artificial surfaces. Prominent among these proteins were those that distinguish the adhesive secretion from the non-adhesive mucus. The adhesive proteins were not washed off by non-ionic detergent, nor was the adhesion of the glue as a whole affected by this treatment. In contrast, high salt concentrations washed the most abundant adhesive proteins off the surfaces, and correspondingly weakened the glue's attachment. The most abundant of the adhesive proteins were C-lectins, which appear to form heterotrimers. These and other lectin-like proteins in slug glue have a high proportion of aromatic amino acids at conserved locations, and are relatively small and often basic. The aromatic and cationic side chains may provide a powerful combination promoting and maintaining surface adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Smith
- Ithaca College, Department of Biology, Ithaca, NY
| | - P Huynh
- Ithaca College, Department of Biology, Ithaca, NY
| | - S Griffin
- Ithaca College, Department of Biology, Ithaca, NY
| | - M Baughn
- Ithaca College, Department of Biology, Ithaca, NY
| | - P Monka
- Ithaca College, Department of Biology, Ithaca, NY
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13
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Wang C, Zhang LF, Li W, Yang LR, Ma JJ, Zhang S, Zhang L. Simultaneously improving the ductility and strength of aromatic thermoset films. HIGH PERFORM POLYM 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/09540083211017189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aromatic thermoset materials have shown great potential applications in various fields owing to their excellent mechanical strengths. However, their poor ductility is still hinders their large-scale applications. In this study, a new class of aromatic thermosets consisting of two types of crosslinks was successfully developed by incorporating the special group imidazole into a type of crosslinked thermoset. One crosslink is constituted of reversible multiple noncovalent interactions containing “face-face” π–π stacking, “point-point” hydrogen bonds, and ion-pair electrostatic interactions, whereas the other is composed of permanent covalent bonds. Most importantly, the synergetic interplay among these reversible multiple noncovalent interactions enables them to evade the restrictions from the aromatic polymer skeletons to proceed with their dynamic dissociating-rebuilding processes, which can timely and effectively dissipate the internal stress. Finally, owing to the coefficient of these two types of crosslinks, a significantly enhanced ductility was successfully obtained on these aromatic thermosets and their tensile strengths were also improved. Such thermosets having simultaneously enhanced strengths and ductility are predicted to be eventually used in a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Long Fei Zhang
- Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wa Li
- Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Rong Yang
- Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Ahn SJ, Mc Donnell RJ, Corcoran JA, Martin RC, Choi MY. Identification and functional characterization of the first molluscan neuromedin U receptor in the slug, Deroceras reticulatum. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22308. [PMID: 33339848 PMCID: PMC7749107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NmU) is a neuropeptide regulating diverse physiological processes. The insect homologs of vertebrate NmU are categorized as PRXamide family peptides due to their conserved C-terminal end. However, NmU homologs have been elusive in Mollusca, the second largest phylum in the animal kingdom. Here we report the first molluscan NmU/PRXamide receptor from the slug, Deroceras reticulatum. Two splicing variants of the receptor gene were functionally expressed and tested for binding with ten endogenous peptides from the slug and some insect PRXamide and vertebrate NmU peptides. Three heptapeptides (QPPLPRYa, QPPVPRYa and AVPRPRIa) triggered significant activation of the receptors, suggesting that they are true ligands for the NmU/PRXamide receptor in the slug. Synthetic peptides with structural modifications at different amino acid positions provided important insights on the core moiety of the active peptides. One receptor variant always exhibited higher binding activity than the other variant. The NmU-encoding genes were highly expressed in the slug brain, while the receptor gene was expressed at lower levels in general with relatively higher expression levels in both the brain and foot. Injection of the bioactive peptides into slugs triggered defensive behavior such as copious mucus secretion and a range of other anomalous behaviors including immobilization, suggesting their role in important physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Joon Ahn
- Horticultural Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology & Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Rory J Mc Donnell
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jacob A Corcoran
- Horticultural Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Biological Control of Insects Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ruth C Martin
- Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Man-Yeon Choi
- Horticultural Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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15
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Greistorfer S, Suppan J, Cyran N, Klepal W, Farkas R, Rudoll L, von Byern J. Characterization of the Arion vulgaris pedal gland system. J Morphol 2020; 281:1059-1071. [PMID: 33448468 PMCID: PMC7496283 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The most common European gastropod species, Arion vulgaris, is one of the most troublesome pests for private garden owners and commercial agriculturists. The sticky and hard to remove secretion produced by these animals allows them to overcome most artificial and natural barriers. However, this highly adherent biopolymer has recently shown great potential for novel wound‐healing applications in medicine. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the underlying gland system is still limited and few studies on the ventral gland system are available. We studied the lateral and ventral pedal glands in Arion vulgaris to determine their secretory content histochemically and through lectin assays. Using these histological and histochemical methods we differentiate five gland types with different mucus composition in the lateral pedal region of the foot of Arion vulgaris. These contain sulphated and carboxylated mucosubstances (positive Alcian blue staining) but lack hexose‐containing mucosubstances (negative PAS staining). In the ventral pedal region, four gland types can be differentiated producing sulphated and carboxylated mucosubstances. Within the ventral mucus, a high affinity for the lectins PNA and WGA is observed. While the lateral glands are histochemically negative for PAS, a positive staining with the lectin JAC is observed. Arion vulgaris shows clear morphological differences from other arionid species. This raises the question whether the variation in the chemistry of the secretory material and mucus composition is the result of different functions and/or is related to the animals' different environmental conditions. A comparison of some glands of Arion vulgaris with those of the helicid species Helix pomatia and Cepaea hortensis indicates morphological similarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Greistorfer
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Suppan
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Cyran
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Waltraud Klepal
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Farkas
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Livia Rudoll
- Faculty of Life Science, Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Janek von Byern
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Haris H, Aris AZ, Mokhtar MB, Looi LJ. The accumulation of metals and methylmercury in Nerita lineata and the relation to intertidal surface sediment concentrations. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 245:125590. [PMID: 31874324 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the reliability of Nerita lineata as a bioindicator for metals in sediment and the factors influencing the accumulation of metals and methylmercury in its soft tissue. The two matrices were analyzed for Co, Cr, Cu, THg, MeHg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The metal concentrations in N. lineata were comparable to previously reported results with the exception of Ni which was higher. Cu, Mn, and Pb in N. lineata were significantly (p < 0.05) positively correlated with the respective elements in the sediment, while the biota-sediment accumulation factor showed that Cu, THg, MeHg, and Ni were bioconcentrated in N. lineata. This suggests that N. lineata has the potential to be a bioindicator for Cu, THg, MeHg, Mn, Ni, and Pb. The results also suggest an indirect relationship between THg in the sediment and the MeHg concentration in N. lineata in which periphyton might play a role. The affinity of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn with Mn (oxides) in sediment was also found to be a factor influencing their accumulation in N. lineata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazzeman Haris
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, USM, Penang, Malaysia; Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mazlin Bin Mokhtar
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ley Juen Looi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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17
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Fung TM, Gallego Lazo C, Smith AM. Elasticity and energy dissipation in the double network hydrogel adhesive of the slug Arion subfuscus. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190201. [PMID: 31495311 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The slug Arion subfuscus produces a mucus-based defensive secretion that is remarkably tough. This glue appears to be a double network hydrogel, gaining its toughness through the synergistic actions of two networks of polymers, a relatively stiff network and a relatively deformable network. The double network mechanism has great potential to guide the development of synthetic adhesives. Mechanical tests were performed to analyse key predictions of the mechanism. Stress relaxation tests and tensile tests support the presence of stable cross-links. Cyclic stress-strain tests demonstrate that the glue dissipates a great deal of energy through the failure of these cross-links as sacrificial bonds. Energy dissipation by failure of sacrificial bonds rather than viscous processes is supported by the minimal effect of the time course of the experiments on the measured properties. These sacrificial bonds appear able to reform within minutes after failure. Finally, the glue's stiffness decreases at pH values below 5.5, whereas magnesium and calcium rapidly dissociate from the glue at all pH values tested. Thus, these ions may not be the primary cross-linkers generating the glue's stiffness. This article is part of the theme issue 'Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-M Fung
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - C Gallego Lazo
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - A M Smith
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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18
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Guo J, Suma T, Richardson JJ, Ejima H. Modular Assembly of Biomaterials Using Polyphenols as Building Blocks. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:5578-5596. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Junling Guo
- Department of Biomass Chemistry and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Tomoya Suma
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Joseph J. Richardson
- Department of Materials Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ejima
- Department of Materials Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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19
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Gould J, Valdez JW, Upton R. Adhesive defence mucus secretions in the red triangle slug (
Triboniophorus graeffei
) can incapacitate adult frogs. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Gould
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
| | - Jose W. Valdez
- Department of Bioscience ‐ Biodiversity and Conservation Aarhus University Rønde Denmark
| | - Rose Upton
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
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20
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Gastropod parasitic nematodes ( Phasmarhabditis sp.) are attracted to hyaluronic acid in snail mucus by cGMP signalling. J Helminthol 2018; 94:e9. [PMID: 30428945 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x18000986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is a parasitic nematode of terrestrial gastropods that has been formulated into a biological control agent for farmers and gardeners to kill slugs and snails. In order to locate slugs it is attracted to mucus, faeces and volatile cues; however, there is no information about whether these nematodes are attracted to snail cues. It is also unknown how wild isolates of P. hermaphrodita or different Phasmarhabditis species behave when exposed to gastropod cues. Therefore, we investigated whether P. hermaphrodita (commercial and wild isolated strains), P. neopapillosa and P. californica were attracted to mucus from several common snail species (Cepaea nemoralis, Cepaea hortensis, Arianta arbustorum and Cornu aspersum). We also examined whether snails (C. aspersum) collected from different locations around the UK differed in their attractiveness to wild isolates of P. hermaphrodita. Furthermore, we also investigated what properties of snail mucus the nematodes were attracted to, including hyaluronic acid and metal salts (FeSO4, ZnSO4, CuSO4 and MgSO4). We found that the commercial strain of P. hermaphrodita responded poorly to snail mucus compared to wild isolated strains, and C. aspersum collected from different parts of the UK differed in their attractiveness to the nematodes. We found that Phasmarhabditis nematodes were weakly attracted to all metals tested but were strongly attracted to hyaluronic acid. In a final experiment we also showed that pharmacological manipulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) increased chemoattraction to snail mucus, suggesting that the protein kinase EGL-4 may be responsible for Phasmarhabditis sp. chemoattraction.
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21
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Baer A, Hänsch S, Mayer G, Harrington MJ, Schmidt S. Reversible Supramolecular Assembly of Velvet Worm Adhesive Fibers via Electrostatic Interactions of Charged Phosphoproteins. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:4034-4043. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hänsch
- Center for Advanced Imaging (CAi), Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Matthew J. Harrington
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam 14424, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Stephan Schmidt
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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22
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Jeong HJ, Cha JY, Choi JH, Jang KS, Lim J, Kim WY, Seo DC, Jeon JR. One-Pot Transformation of Technical Lignins into Humic-Like Plant Stimulants through Fenton-Based Advanced Oxidation: Accelerating Natural Fungus-Driven Humification. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:7441-7453. [PMID: 30087914 PMCID: PMC6068593 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Commercial humic acids mainly obtained from leonardite are in increasing demand in agronomy, and their market size is growing rapidly because these materials act as soil conditioners and direct stimulators of plant growth and development. In nature, fungus-driven nonspecific oxidations are believed to be a key to catabolizing recalcitrant plant lignins, resulting in lignin humification. Here we demonstrated the effective transformation of technical lignins derived from the Kraft processing of woody biomass into humic-like plant fertilizers through one-pot Fenton oxidations (i.e., artificially accelerated fungus reactions). The lignin variants resulting from the Fenton reaction, and manufactured using a few different ratios of FeSO4 to H2O2, successfully accelerated the germination of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and increased the tolerance of this plant to NaCl-induced abiotic stress; moreover, the extent of the stimulation of the growth of this plant by these manufactured lignin variants was comparable or superior to that induced by commercial humic acids. The results of high-resolution (15 T) Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, electrostatic force microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analyses strongly indicated that oxygen-based functional groups were incorporated into the lignins. Moreover, analyses of the total phenolic contents of the lignins and their sedimentation kinetics in water media together with scanning electron microscopy- and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller-based surface characterizations further suggested that polymer fragmentation followed by modification of the phenolic groups on the lignin surfaces was crucial for the humic-like activity of the lignins. A high similarity between the lignin variants and commercial humic acids also resulted from autonomous deposition of iron species into lignin particles during the Fenton oxidation, although their short-term effects of plant stimulations were maintained whether the iron species were present or absent. Finally, we showed that lignins produced from an industrial-scale acid-induced hydrolysis of wood chips were transformed with the similar enhancements of the plant effects, indicating that our fungus-mimicking processes could be a universal way for achieving effective lignin humification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Jin Jeong
- Division
of Applied Life Science (BK21Plus), Department of Agricultural Chemistry
and Food Science & Technology, IALS, RILS, and PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National
University, 501, Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yung Cha
- Division
of Applied Life Science (BK21Plus), Department of Agricultural Chemistry
and Food Science & Technology, IALS, RILS, and PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National
University, 501, Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Choi
- Biomedical
Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162, Yeongudanji-ro, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Soon Jang
- Biomedical
Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162, Yeongudanji-ro, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongkoo Lim
- R&D Center, GS Caltex Corporation, 359, Expo-ro, Daejeon 34122, Republic
of Korea
| | - Woe-Yeon Kim
- Division
of Applied Life Science (BK21Plus), Department of Agricultural Chemistry
and Food Science & Technology, IALS, RILS, and PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National
University, 501, Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Cheol Seo
- Division
of Applied Life Science (BK21Plus), Department of Agricultural Chemistry
and Food Science & Technology, IALS, RILS, and PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National
University, 501, Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Rok Jeon
- Division
of Applied Life Science (BK21Plus), Department of Agricultural Chemistry
and Food Science & Technology, IALS, RILS, and PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National
University, 501, Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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23
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Cilia G, Fratini F. Antimicrobial properties of terrestrial snail and slug mucus. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 15:/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2017-0168/jcim-2017-0168.xml. [PMID: 29596054 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2017-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Snail and slug mucus is a viscous-elastic substance secreted by specific glands with adhesive and lubricants properties that allows them to adhere tenaciously to many different surfaces. It has been used since ancient times for care and human health and it is still very important in traditional and folkloristic medicine. Recently, mucus from snail and slugs and its protein and components have been subjected to some investigations on their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity due to extensive traditional uses and for a future application in medicine. Antimicrobial activities of crude mucus, and its components, against different microorganism have been reported, showing antimicrobial activities that lead their potential employment in several fields as natural additives. The purpose of this Review is to summarize the results of antimicrobial studies of snail and slug mucus and its compounds from the first scientific applications to the isolation of the single components in order to better understand its application and propose an employment in future studies as a natural antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cilia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, Pisa, Italy
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24
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von Byern J, Cyran N, Klepal W, Rudoll L, Suppan J, Greistorfer S. The structure of the cutaneous pedal glands in the banded snail Cepaea hortensis (Müller, 1774). J Morphol 2017; 279:187-198. [PMID: 29098722 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although gastropods have been crawling through the ocean and on the land for 60 million years, we still know very little about the sticky mucus produced in their foot. Most research has been focused on marine species in particular and, to a lesser extent, on the well-known terrestrial species Arion vulgaris and Cornu aspersum. Within this study, we aim to characterize the foot anatomy of a smaller representative of the family Helicidae, the banded snail Cepaea hortensis. We are particularly interested in the microanatomy of the foot glands, their position, and the histochemical nature of their secretory content. Characterization of the dorsal foot region of Cepaea hortensis reveals four glands, differing in their size and in the granules produced. Histochemically, three of them react positively for sugars (PAS staining and lectin affinity tests for mannose, glucose and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) and acidic proteins (positive Alcian blue and Toluidine blue staining), indicating the presence of acidic glycosaminoglycans. The fourth gland type does not react to any of these dyes. The ventral pedal region includes two different gland types, which are positive for the presence of acidic glycoproteins, with a lectin affinity for mannose only. A comparison with Helix pomatia indicates differences regarding the number of glands and their contents. In Helix, only three gland types are described in the dorsal region of the foot, which show a similar granular appearance but nevertheless differ in their chemical composition. Congruently, there are two gland types in the ventral region in both species, whereas in Helix an additional sugar moiety is found. This raises the question whether these differences between the pedal glandular systems of both helicid species are the result of protection or size-related adaptations, as they occur in the same habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janek von Byern
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, AUVA Research Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Cyran
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Waltraud Klepal
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Livia Rudoll
- Faculty of Life Science, Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Suppan
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Greistorfer
- Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Smith AM, Papaleo C, Reid CW, Bliss JM. RNA-Seq reveals a central role for lectin, C1q and von Willebrand factor A domains in the defensive glue of a terrestrial slug. BIOFOULING 2017; 33:741-754. [PMID: 28899232 PMCID: PMC6124484 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1361413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The tough, hydrogel glue produced by the slug Arion subfuscus achieves impressive performance through metal-based, protein cross-links. The primary sequence of these proteins was determined through transcriptome sequencing and proteome analysis by tandem mass spectrometry. The main proteins that correlate with adhesive function are a group of 11 small, highly abundant lectin-like proteins. These proteins matched the ligand-binding C-lectin, C1q or H-lectin domains. The variety of different lectin-like proteins and their potential for oligomerization suggests that they function as versatile and potent cross-linkers. In addition, the glue contains five matrilin-like proteins that are rich in von Willebrand factor A (VWA) and EGF domains. Both C-lectins and VWA domains are known to bind to ligands using divalent cations. These findings are consistent with the double network mechanism proposed for slug glue, with divalent ions serving as sacrificial bonds to dissipate energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Smith
- Ithaca College, Department of Biology, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-274-3975, ,
| | - Cassandra Papaleo
- Ithaca College, Department of Biology, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-274-3975, ,
| | - Christopher W. Reid
- Bryant University, Science and Technology Department, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-232-6000,
| | - Joseph M. Bliss
- Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 100 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, 401-274-1100,
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26
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von Byern J, Grunwald I, Kosok M, Saporito RA, Dicke U, Wetjen O, Thiel K, Borcherding K, Kowalik T, Marchetti-Deschmann M. Chemical characterization of the adhesive secretions of the salamander Plethodon shermani (Caudata, Plethodontidae). Sci Rep 2017; 7:6647. [PMID: 28751633 PMCID: PMC5532285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Salamanders have developed a wide variety of antipredator mechanisms, including tail autotomy, colour patterns, and noxious skin secretions. As an addition to these tactics, the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani) uses adhesive secretions as part of its defensive strategy. The high bonding strength, the fast-curing nature, and the composition of the biobased materials makes salamander adhesives interesting for practical applications in the medical sector. To understand the adhesive secretions of P. shermani, its components were chemically analysed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), amino acid analysis, and spectroscopy (ATR-IR, Raman). In addition, proteins were separated by gel-electrophoresis and selected spots were characterised by peptide mass fingerprinting. The salamander secretion contains a high amount of water and predominantly proteins (around 77% in the dry stage). The gel-electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprint analyses revealed a de novo set of peptides/proteins, largely with a pI between 5.0 and 8.0 and a molecular mass distribution between 10 and 170 kDa. Only low homologies with other proteins present in known databases could be identified. The results indicate that the secretions of the salamander Plethodon clearly differ chemically from those shown for other glue-producing terrestrial or marine species and thus represent a unique glue system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janek von Byern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200, Vienna, Austria
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingo Grunwald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Max Kosok
- Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Karlsplatz 13, 1040, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralph A Saporito
- John Carroll University, Department of Biology, University Heights, Ohio, 44118, USA
| | - Ursula Dicke
- University of Bremen, Brain Research Institute, Department of Behavioral Physiology, Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Oliver Wetjen
- University of Bremen, Brain Research Institute, Department of Behavioral Physiology, Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karsten Thiel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kai Borcherding
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kowalik
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Martina Marchetti-Deschmann
- Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Karlsplatz 13, 1040, Vienna, Austria
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27
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Hayes MJ. Sulphated glycosaminoglycans support an assortment of planarian rhabdite structures. Biol Open 2017; 6:571-581. [PMID: 28302668 PMCID: PMC5450325 DOI: 10.1242/bio.024554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Planaria are soft-bodied, bilateral flatworms of the phylum Platyhelminthes. They are covered in cilia and use ciliary-gliding to traverse the substratum while hunting. Their body surface is covered in a layer of viscous slime primarily derived from specialised secretory granules known as rhabdites. The slime must somehow stay associated with the surface of the animal in aqueous environments whilst also lubricating the interface of the animal and the surfaces over which the animal moves. The slime prevents damage to the animal's soft body and also contributes to adhesion to the substratum. In order to gain insight into how it might achieve these diverse functions, we performed electron microscopic examination of the slime's structure. Analysis of two freshwater flatworms from the UK Schmidtea polychroa (Schmidt, 1861) and Polycelis tenuis (Ijima, 1884) revealed a high level of organisation of the slime layer and a variety of ejected slime structures. We show that these structures are rich in sulphated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs). Most of these (269 of 285 examined) appear to be topologically closed spheroids that we name ball-GAGs. Another class appears to burst to release flower- and star-like clusters which adhere to motile cilia. We also observe fibrous nets that are associated with entrapped bacteria. Examination of the structure of rhabdites ejected onto a porous surface suggests a mechanism by which their structure allows them to both bind to the porous surface and provide a smooth layer over which the animal could glide. Such sGAG-based structures might provide models for the design of artificial biomimetic replacements for tears, saliva, bio-compatible lubricants or drug-delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Hayes
- EM Unit, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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28
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Greistorfer S, Klepal W, Cyran N, Gugumuck A, Rudoll L, Suppan J, von Byern J. Snail mucus - glandular origin and composition in Helix pomatia. ZOOLOGY 2017; 122:126-138. [PMID: 28554685 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Apart from their well-known culinary use, gastropod species such as Helix, which have a hydrogel-like mucus, are increasingly being exploited for cosmetic, bioengineering and medical applications. However, not only are the origin and composition of these "sticky" secretions far from being fully characterized, the number and morphology of the mucus glands involved is also uncertain. This study aims to characterize in detail the cutaneous glands of the Helix pomatia foot on morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical levels. Hereby the focus is on the gland position and appearance on the foot sole as well as on the chemical nature of the different gland secretions. At least five different gland types can be distinguished by their microanatomy; three are located on the dorsal side and two on the ventral side of the foot sole. Most glands are reactive for acidic proteins and sugars such as mannose and fucose, indicating the presence of acidic glycosaminoglycans. One dorsal gland type shows high reactivity for acidic proteins only. The isolated mucus includes a certain amount of the elements chlorine, potassium and calcium; evidence for lipids was also confirmed in the isolated mucus. The present results for Helix pomatia show a clear difference in the number of glands compared to the related species Helix aspersa (only four mucus glands); histochemically, the glands of both species similarly produce acidic proteins as well as acidic glycosaminoglycans. While calcium ions are known to play a role in mucus formation, the presence and function of other ions such as potassium still need to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Greistorfer
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Waltraud Klepal
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Cyran
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Gugumuck
- Wiener Schneckenmanufaktur e.U., Rosiwalgasse 44, A-1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Livia Rudoll
- Department of Integrative Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Suppan
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Janek von Byern
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, A-1200 Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Siderophores and mussel foot proteins: the role of catechol, cations, and metal coordination in surface adhesion. J Biol Inorg Chem 2017; 22:739-749. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-017-1451-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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30
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Liu C, Xie L, Zhang R. Ca2+ Mediates the Self-Assembly of the Foot Proteins of Pinctada fucata from the Nanoscale to the Microscale. Biomacromolecules 2016; 17:3347-3355. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Liu
- Institute
of Marine Biotechnology, 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
| | - Liping Xie
- Institute
of Marine Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
| | - Rongqing Zhang
- Institute
of Marine Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 China
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province 314006, China
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31
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Newar J, Ghatak A. Studies on the Adhesive Property of Snail Adhesive Mucus. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2015; 31:12155-12160. [PMID: 26480243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b03498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Many gastropod molluscs are known to secrete mucus which allow these animals to adhere to a substrate while foraging over it. While the mucus is known to provide strong adhesion to both dry and wet surfaces, including both horizontal and vertical ones, no systematic study has been carried out to understand the strength of such adhesion under different conditions. We report here results from preliminary studies on adhesion characteristics of the mucus of a snail found in eastern India, Macrochlamys indica. When perturbed, the snail was found to secrete its adhesive mucus, which was collected and subjected to regular adhesion tests. The hydrated mucus was used as such, and also as mixed with buffer of different pH. These experiments suggest that the mucus was slightly alkaline, and showed the maximum adhesion strength of 9 kPa when present in an alkaline buffer. Preliminary studies indicate that adhesive force is related to the ability of the mucus to incorporate water. In alkaline condition, the gel like mass that it forms, incorporate water from a wet surface and enable strong adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janu Newar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University , Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Archana Ghatak
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University , Bhubaneswar 751024, India
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32
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Wilks AM, Rabice SR, Garbacz HS, Harro CC, Smith AM. Double-network gels and the toughness of terrestrial slug glue. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:3128-37. [PMID: 26276864 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.128991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The terrestrial slug Arion subfuscus produces a defensive secretion that is sticky and tough, despite being a dilute gel. It is unusual in having high stiffness for a gel, yet retaining the high extensibility typical of mucus. In tensile tests, it sustains an average peak stress of 101 kPa, and fails at an average strain of 9.5. This gives the gel toughness; it requires much greater strain energy to fracture than most gels. This toughness may arise from a double-network type mechanism. In this mechanism, two separate, interpenetrating networks of polymers with different properties combine to give toughness that can be several orders of magnitude greater than either network individually. Native gel electrophoresis suggests that A. subfuscus glue consists of two networks: a network of negatively charged proteins ranging in Mr from 40×10(3) to 220×10(3) that can be dissociated by hydroxylamine and a network of heparan sulfate-like proteoglycans. The two networks are not tightly linked, though proteins of Mr 40×10(3) and 165×10(3) may associate with the carbohydrates. Targeted disruption of either network separately, using enzymatic hydrolysis, disulfide bond breakage or imine bond disruption completely disrupted the glue, resulting in no measurable toughness. Thus, the two networks separately provide little toughness, but together they work synergistically to create a tough material, as predicted in the double-network mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Wilks
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Sarah R Rabice
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | | | - Cailin C Harro
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Andrew M Smith
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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33
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Jonker JL, Morrison L, Lynch EP, Grunwald I, von Byern J, Power AM. The chemistry of stalked barnacle adhesive (Lepas anatifera). Interface Focus 2015; 5:20140062. [PMID: 25657841 PMCID: PMC4275876 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2014.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The results of the first chemical analysis of the adhesive of Lepas anatifera, a stalked barnacle, are presented. A variety of elements were identified in scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) of the adhesive, including Na, Mg, Ca, Cl, S, Al, Si, K and Fe; however, protein-metal interactions were not detected in Raman spectra of the adhesive. Elemental signatures from SEM-EDS of L. anatifera adhesive glands were less varied. Phosphorous was mostly absent in adhesive samples; supporting previous studies showing that phosphoserines do not play a significant role in adult barnacle adhesion. Disulfide bridges arising from Cys dimers were also investigated; Raman analysis showed weak evidence for S-S bonds in L. anatifera. In addition, there was no calcium carbonate signal in the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra of L. anatifera adhesive, unlike several previous studies in other barnacle species. Significant differences were observed between the Raman spectra of L. anatifera and Balanus crenatus; these and a range of Raman peaks in the L. anatifera adhesive are discussed. Polysaccharide was detected in L. anatifera adhesive but the significance of this awaits further experiments. The results demonstrate some of the diversity within barnacle species in the chemistry of their adhesives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie-Leigh Jonker
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Liam Morrison
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Edward P. Lynch
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
- Department of Mineral Resources, Geological Survey of Sweden, 75128 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingo Grunwald
- Department Adhesive Bonding and Surfaces, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Group BioInspired Materials, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Janek von Byern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne Marie Power
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
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34
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Degtyar E, Harrington MJ, Politi Y, Fratzl P. Die Bedeutung von Metallionen für die mechanischen Eigenschaften von Biomaterialien auf Proteinbasis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201404272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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35
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Degtyar E, Harrington MJ, Politi Y, Fratzl P. The Mechanical Role of Metal Ions in Biogenic Protein-Based Materials. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:12026-44. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201404272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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36
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Lee SM, Pippel E, Moutanabbir O, Kim JH, Lee HJ, Knez M. In situ Raman spectroscopic study of Al-infiltrated spider dragline silk under tensile deformation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:16827-16834. [PMID: 25203848 DOI: 10.1021/am5041797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Natural materials consisting of protein structures impregnated with a tiny amount of metals often exhibit impressive mechanical behavior, which represents a new design paradigm for the development of biomimetic materials. Here, we produced Al-infiltrated silks by applying a modified Al2O3 atomic layer deposition process to the dragline silk of the Nephila pilipes spider, which showed unusual mechanical properties. The deformation behavior of the molecular structure of the Al-infiltrated silk was investigated by performing in situ Raman spectroscopy, where Raman shifts were measured concurrently with macroscopic mechanical deformations. For identifying the role of the infiltrated Al atoms, the study was performed in parallel with untreated silk, and the results were compared. Our experimental results revealed that superior mechanical properties of the Al-infiltrated silk are likely to be caused by the alterations of the sizes of the β-sheet crystals and their distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Mo Lee
- Department of Nanomechanics, Nano-Mechanical Systems Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) , 156 Gajungbukno, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-343, Korea
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37
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Sista P, Ghosh K, Martinez JS, Rocha RC. Metallo-Biopolymers: Conjugation Strategies and Applications. POLYM REV 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/15583724.2014.913063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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38
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Holten-Andersen N, Jaishankar A, Harrington M, Fullenkamp DE, DiMarco G, He L, McKinley GH, Messersmith PB, Lee KYC. Metal-coordination: Using one of nature's tricks to control soft material mechanics. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:2467-2472. [PMID: 26413297 PMCID: PMC4582448 DOI: 10.1039/c3tb21374a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence supports a critical role of dynamic metal-coordination crosslinking in soft biological material properties such as self-healing and underwater adhesion1. Using bio-inspired metal-coordinating polymers, initial efforts to mimic these properties have shown promise2. Here we demonstrate how bio-inspired aqueous polymer network mechanics can be easily controlled via metal-coordination crosslink dynamics; metal ion-based crosslink stability control allows aqueous polymer network relaxation times to be finely tuned over several orders of magnitude. In addition to further biological material insights, our demonstration of this compositional scaling mechanism should provide inspiration for new polymer material property-control designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Holten-Andersen
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and the James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Aditya Jaishankar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Matthew Harrington
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dominic E. Fullenkamp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Genevieve DiMarco
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and the James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lihong He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Gareth H. McKinley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Phillip B. Messersmith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Ka Yee C. Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and the James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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39
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Braun M, Menges M, Opoku F, Smith AM. The relative contribution of calcium, zinc and oxidation-based cross-links to the stiffness of Arion subfuscus glue. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 216:1475-83. [PMID: 23264483 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.077149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Metal ions are present in many different biological materials, and are capable of forming strong cross-links in aqueous environments. The relative contribution of different metal-based cross-links was measured in the defensive glue produced by the terrestrial slug Arion subfuscus. This glue contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron and copper. These metals are essential to the integrity of the glue and to gel stiffening. Removal of all metals caused at least a 15-fold decrease in the storage modulus of the glue. Selectively disrupting cross-links involving hard Lewis acids such as calcium reduced the stiffness of the glue, while disrupting cross-links involving borderline Lewis acids such as zinc did not. Calcium is the most common cation bound to the glue (40 mmol l(-1)), and its charge is balanced primarily by sulphate at 82-84 mmol l(-1). Thus these ions probably play a primary role in bringing polymers together directly. Imine bonds formed as a result of protein oxidation also contribute substantially to the stiffness of the glue. Disrupting these bonds with hydroxylamine caused a 33% decrease in storage modulus of the glue, while stabilizing them by reduction with sodium borohydride increased the storage modulus by 40%. Thus a combination of metal-based bonds operates in this glue. Most likely, cross-links directly involving calcium play a primary role in bringing together and stabilizing the polymer network, followed by imine bond formation and possible iron coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Braun
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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40
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Bradshaw A, Salt M, Bell A, Zeitler M, Litra N, Smith AM. Cross-linking by protein oxidation in the rapidly setting gel-based glues of slugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 214:1699-706. [PMID: 21525316 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.051581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The terrestrial slug Arion subfuscus secretes a glue that is a dilute gel with remarkable adhesive and cohesive strength. The function of this glue depends on metals, raising the possibility that metal-catalyzed oxidation plays a role. The extent and time course of protein oxidation was measured by immunoblotting to detect the resulting carbonyl groups. Several proteins, particularly one with a relative molecular mass (M(r)) of 165 x 10³, were heavily oxidized. Of the proteins known to distinguish the glue from non-adhesive mucus, only specific size variants were oxidized. The oxidation appears to occur within the first few seconds of secretion. Although carbonyls were detected by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in denatured proteins, they were not easily detected in the native state. The presence of reversible cross-links derived from carbonyls was tested for by treatment with sodium borohydride, which would reduce uncross-linked carbonyls to alcohols, but stabilize imine bonds formed by carbonyls and thus lead to less soluble complexes. Consistent with imine bond formation, sodium borohydride led to a 20-35% decrease in the amount of soluble protein with a M(r) of 40-165 (x 10³) without changing the carbonyl content per protein. In contrast, the nucleophile hydroxylamine, which would competitively disrupt imine bonds, increased protein solubility in the glue. Finally, the primary amine groups on a protein with a M(r) of 15 x 10³ were not accessible to acid anhydrides. The results suggest that cross-links between aldehydes and primary amines contribute to the cohesive strength of the glue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bradshaw
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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Rittschof D, Orihuela B, Harder T, Stafslien S, Chisholm B, Dickinson GH. Compounds from silicones alter enzyme activity in curing barnacle glue and model enzymes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16487. [PMID: 21379573 PMCID: PMC3040736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attachment strength of fouling organisms on silicone coatings is low. We hypothesized that low attachment strength on silicones is, in part, due to the interaction of surface available components with natural glues. Components could alter curing of glues through bulk changes or specifically through altered enzyme activity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS GC-MS analysis of silicone coatings showed surface-available siloxanes when the coatings were gently rubbed with a cotton swab for 15 seconds or given a 30 second rinse with methanol. Mixtures of compounds were found on 2 commercial and 8 model silicone coatings. The hypothesis that silicone components alter glue curing enzymes was tested with curing barnacle glue and with commercial enzymes. In our model, barnacle glue curing involves trypsin-like serine protease(s), which activate enzymes and structural proteins, and a transglutaminase which cross-links glue proteins. Transglutaminase activity was significantly altered upon exposure of curing glue from individual barnacles to silicone eluates. Activity of purified trypsin and, to a greater extent, transglutaminase was significantly altered by relevant concentrations of silicone polymer constituents. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Surface-associated silicone compounds can disrupt glue curing and alter enzyme properties. Altered curing of natural glues has potential in fouling management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rittschof
- MSC Division, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States of America.
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42
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Harrington MJ, Masic A, Holten-Andersen N, Waite JH, Fratzl P. Iron-clad fibers: a metal-based biological strategy for hard flexible coatings. Science 2010; 328:216-20. [PMID: 20203014 PMCID: PMC3087814 DOI: 10.1126/science.1181044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 572] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The extensible byssal threads of marine mussels are shielded from abrasion in wave-swept habitats by an outer cuticle that is largely proteinaceous and approximately fivefold harder than the thread core. Threads from several species exhibit granular cuticles containing a protein that is rich in the catecholic amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) as well as inorganic ions, notably Fe3+. Granular cuticles exhibit a remarkable combination of high hardness and high extensibility. We explored byssus cuticle chemistry by means of in situ resonance Raman spectroscopy and demonstrated that the cuticle is a polymeric scaffold stabilized by catecholato-iron chelate complexes having an unusual clustered distribution. Consistent with byssal cuticle chemistry and mechanics, we present a model in which dense cross-linking in the granules provides hardness, whereas the less cross-linked matrix provides extensibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Harrington
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam 14424, Germany.
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43
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Dickinson GH, Vega IE, Wahl KJ, Orihuela B, Beyley V, Rodriguez EN, Everett RK, Bonaventura J, Rittschof D. Barnacle cement: a polymerization model based on evolutionary concepts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 212:3499-510. [PMID: 19837892 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.029884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes and biochemical mechanisms essential to survival are under extreme selective pressure and are highly conserved through evolutionary time. We applied this evolutionary concept to barnacle cement polymerization, a process critical to barnacle fitness that involves aggregation and cross-linking of proteins. The biochemical mechanisms of cement polymerization remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that this process is biochemically similar to blood clotting, a critical physiological response that is also based on aggregation and cross-linking of proteins. Like key elements of vertebrate and invertebrate blood clotting, barnacle cement polymerization was shown to involve proteolytic activation of enzymes and structural precursors, transglutaminase cross-linking and assembly of fibrous proteins. Proteolytic activation of structural proteins maximizes the potential for bonding interactions with other proteins and with the surface. Transglutaminase cross-linking reinforces cement integrity. Remarkably, epitopes and sequences homologous to bovine trypsin and human transglutaminase were identified in barnacle cement with tandem mass spectrometry and/or western blotting. Akin to blood clotting, the peptides generated during proteolytic activation functioned as signal molecules, linking a molecular level event (protein aggregation) to a behavioral response (barnacle larval settlement). Our results draw attention to a highly conserved protein polymerization mechanism and shed light on a long-standing biochemical puzzle. We suggest that barnacle cement polymerization is a specialized form of wound healing. The polymerization mechanism common between barnacle cement and blood may be a theme for many marine animal glues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary H Dickinson
- Duke University Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
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44
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Smith AM, Robinson TM, Salt MD, Hamilton KS, Silvia BE, Blasiak R. Robust cross-links in molluscan adhesive gels: testing for contributions from hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 152:110-7. [PMID: 18952190 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Revised: 10/07/2008] [Accepted: 10/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The cross-linking interactions that provide cohesive strength to molluscan adhesive gels were investigated. Metal-based interactions have been shown to play an important role in the glue of the slug Arion subfuscus (Draparnaud), but other types of interactions may also contribute to the glue's strength and their role has not been investigated. This study shows that treatments that normally disrupt hydrophobic or electrostatic interactions have little to no effect on the slug glue. High salt concentrations and non-ionic detergent do not affect the solubility of the proteins in the glue or the ability of the glue proteins to stiffen gels. In contrast, metal chelation markedly disrupts the gel. Experiments with gel filtration chromatography identify a 40 kDa protein that is a central component of the cross-links in the glue. This 40 kDa protein forms robust macromolecular aggregations that are stable even in the presence of high concentrations of salt, non-ionic detergent, urea or metal chelators. Metal chelation during glue secretion, however, may block some of these cross-links. Such robust, non-specific interactions in an aqueous environment are highly unusual for hydrogels and reflect an intriguing cross-linking mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Smith
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA.
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Kamino K. Underwater adhesive of marine organisms as the vital link between biological science and material science. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2008; 10:111-21. [PMID: 18278433 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-007-9076-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Revised: 10/13/2007] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine sessile organisms naturally attach themselves to diverse materials in water by a technique that has so far remained unreproducible. Recent studies on the holdfast of marine sessile organisms have revealed natural concepts that are currently beyond our understanding with respect to the molecular design and macroscopic range. The combination of valuable and practical natural design of biotic adhesives as biomolecular materials, together with continuing efforts towards mimetic design, hold the promise of revolution for future materials. This review focuses on recent advances in the study of barnacle underwater cement, a protein complex whose constituents and the properties of individual components are being uncovered. A comparison is made with the model systems used by the mussel and tubeworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Kamino
- Marine Biotechnology Institute, Kamaishi, Iwate 026-0001, Japan.
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