Many shellfish such as mussels, oysters, and barnacles use adhesives or cements for sticking themselves to rocks.  As we work to understand the nature of these materials, we are finding intriguing chemistry within.  In the case of mussel adhesive, for example, these shellfish make glue from cross-linked proteins.  Iron binding to the proteins via DOPA (or catechol-like) sidechains appears to initiate protein oxidation (and metal reduction), formation of radical species, and subsequent coupling reactions.  We are now starting to gain chemical insights on the cement used by oysters for constructing their reef habitats.  Although there appears to also be iron cross-linking chemistry present, a major difference may also be at play.  Mussel adhesive is nearly all organic protein.  By contrast, oyster cement is predominantly inorganic calcium carbonate.  Presented within the context of a similar function, we will discuss why the composition of these materials may differ so greatly.

Inorganic vs. organic adhesion: Understanding shellfish glues

244th National Meeting (2012)

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