Mussels help find only new surgery

The study of mussel silk scientists helps open a new door for surgical replacement materials.

US scientists are studying how to develop the application of the sticky silk that mussels use to cling to rocks for healing purposes after discovering the secret that creates the strength of this silk.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say they have discovered the secret behind the stickiness of mussel silk and hope to apply the technology to areas such as fracture and fracture. tendon, even replacement only surgery.

The species of mussels with small filaments clinging to the rock

This study was conducted by environmental engineer Zhao Qin of MIT. According to Qin, these filaments are formed with a soft material and have good elasticity at one end and another material is firmer at the other end.

Mr. Qin said: 'Although there are different functions, these materials are made of a protein very similar to collagen, the main component of bones, cartilage, tendons and skin in mammals.

According to this study, the proteins that make up these fibers are of two types: 80% is a protein that acts like a bungee cord to ensure the strength of silk, while the remaining 20% ​​is formed from the type. Soft and elastic protein.

This combination makes the thread able to deform without breaking, helping the son to cling to the rock. In nature, the software and elasticity of silk attaches to the body of the son, while the stronger hardware adheres to the stone.

This finding could help us find a way to apply synthetic materials with the same characteristics as well as to study the production of new types of adhesives.

Zhao Qin, a researcher, said: 'I see the potential of this material to treat damaged bones or surgery to connect blood vessels, activities that require material both flexible and durable. . At that time, 80% of the thread length will be made of solid materials, while the remaining 20% ​​will be softer and more elastic. "