Understanding Marine Mussel Adhesion

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Marine Biotechnology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10126-007-9053-x· OSTI ID:922292

Silverman, H G; Roberto, F F

In addition to identifying the proteins that have a role in underwater adhesion by marine mussels, research efforts have focused on identifying the genes responsible for the adhesive proteins, environmental factors that may influence protein production, and strategies for producing natural adhesives similar to the native mussel adhesive proteins. The production-scale availability of recombinant mussel adhesive proteins will enable researchers to formulate adhesives that are waterimpervious and ecologically safe and can bind materials ranging from glass, plastics, metals, and wood to materials, such as bone or teeth, biological organisms, and other chemicals or molecules. Unfortunately, as of yet scientists have been unable to duplicate the processes that marine mussels use to create adhesive structures. This study provides a background on adhesive proteins identified in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, and introduces our research interests and discusses the future for continued research related to mussel adhesion.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-99ID13727
• OSTI ID: 922292
• Report Number(s): INL/JOU-06-11179
• Journal Information: Marine Biotechnology, Journal Name: Marine Biotechnology
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ADHESION
ADHESIVES
AVAILABILITY
GENES
GLASS
MUSSELS
Mytilus edulis
PLASTICS
PRODUCTION
PROTEINS
TEETH
WATER
WOOD
adhesion
biomimetics
marine mussel
recombinant protein