Identification and characterization of adhesive proteins in freshwater mussels towards the development of novel bioadhesives

The European freshwater mollusk Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) adheres to a variety of underwater surfaces via the byssus, a proteinaceous “anchor”, from which threads are secreted. The threads terminate in small, disc-shaped adhesive plaques which have adapted to turbulent conditions with remarkable adhesive strength for their size. Top adhesive candidates that demonstrated evidence for an adhesive role were identified via LC-MS/MS and relative quantification of proteins between the mussel plaque and adhesive interface. For the first time, a top candidate for adhesive activity (Dbfp7) was isolated directly from the quagga mussel. We aim to incorporate relevant protein motifs from these proteins into peptide mimics and to recombinantly express Dbfp7, leading to the development of novel bioadhesives for medical and dental applications. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and proteins responsible for adhesion in freshwater mussels will provide a paradigm for medical adhesives which function reliably on wet tissue surfaces with minimal inflammation.%%%%M.A.S.%%%%2019-11-15 00:00:00