Hierarchically-structured metalloprotein composite coatings biofabricated from co-existing condensed liquid phases.

ABSTRACT: Complex hierarchical structure governs emergent properties in biopolymeric materials; yet, the material processing involved remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the multi-scale structure and composition of the mussel byssus cuticle before, during and after formation to gain insight into the processing of this hard, yet extensible metal cross-linked protein composite. Our findings reveal that the granular substructure crucial to the cuticle's function as a wear-resistant coating of an extensible polymer fiber is pre-organized in condensed liquid phase secretory vesicles. These are phase-separated into DOPA-rich proto-granules enveloped in a sulfur-rich proto-matrix which fuses during secretion, forming the sub-structure of the cuticle. Metal ions are added subsequently in a site

SUBMITTER: Jehle F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7018715 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature