Metal Coordination-Mediated Functional Grading and Self-Healing in Mussel Byssus Cuticle.

ABSTRACT: Metal-containing polymer networks are ubiquitous in biological systems, and their unique structures enable a variety of fascinating biological behaviors. Cuticle of mussel byssal threads, containing Fe-catecholate complexes, shows remarkably high hardness, high extensibility, and self-healing capability. Understanding strengthening and self-healing mechanisms is essential for elucidating animal behaviors and rationally designing mussel-inspired materials. Here, direct evidence of Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ gradient distribution across the cuticle thickness is demonstrated, which shows more Fe²⁺ inside the inner cuticle, to support the hypothesis that the cuticle is a functionally graded material with high stiffness, extensibility, and self-healing capacity. The mechanic

SUBMITTER: Xu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6891911 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature