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Biomimetic generation of the strongest known biomaterial found in limpet tooth

Author

Listed:
  • Robin M. H. Rumney

    (University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building)

  • Samuel C. Robson

    (University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building
    University of Portsmouth
    University of Portsmouth)

  • Alexander P. Kao

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Eugen Barbu

    (University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building)

  • Lukasz Bozycki

    (University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building
    Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology)

  • James R. Smith

    (University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building)

  • Simon M. Cragg

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Fay Couceiro

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Rachna Parwani

    (University of Portsmouth
    Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy)

  • Gianluca Tozzi

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Michael Stuer

    (EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology)

  • Asa H. Barber

    (University of Portsmouth
    London South Bank University)

  • Alex T. Ford

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Dariusz C. Górecki

    (University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building)

Abstract

The biomaterial with the highest known tensile strength is a unique composite of chitin and goethite (α-FeO(OH)) present in teeth from the Common Limpet (Patella vulgata). A biomimetic based on limpet tooth, with corresponding high-performance mechanical properties is highly desirable. Here we report on the replication of limpet tooth developmental processes ex vivo, where isolated limpet tissue and cells in culture generate new biomimetic structures. Transcriptomic analysis of each developmental stage of the radula, the organ from which limpet teeth originate, identifies sequential changes in expression of genes related to chitin and iron processing. We quantify iron and chitin metabolic processes in the radula and grow isolated radula cells in vitro. Bioinspired material can be developed with electrospun chitin mineralised by conditioned media from cultured radula cells. Our results inform molecular processes behind the generation of limpet tooth and establish a platform for development of a novel biomimetic with comparable properties.

Suggested Citation

  • Robin M. H. Rumney & Samuel C. Robson & Alexander P. Kao & Eugen Barbu & Lukasz Bozycki & James R. Smith & Simon M. Cragg & Fay Couceiro & Rachna Parwani & Gianluca Tozzi & Michael Stuer & Asa H. Barb, 2022. "Biomimetic generation of the strongest known biomaterial found in limpet tooth," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-31139-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31139-0
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