Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Biomolecule

Microfluidics

Biology

Engineering

Metal ions in aqueous solution

Chemistry

Ecology

Materials science

Byssus

Blue mussel

Mussel

Catechol

Layer (electronics)

Mytilus

Metal

Adhesive

Chemical engineering

Science

Mussel mooring made mighty by metals Mussels produce an exceptional proteinaceous adhesive so they can withstand waves and currents. Metal ions bound to modified tyrosine residues play an important role in reinforcing the adhesive. Priemel et al . brought together a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to study the cellular mechanisms involved in adhesive fabrication in mussels (see the Perspective by Wilker). They found that metal ion–rich vesicles are secreted alongside vesicles containing the adhesive protein and mix in a microfluidic-like process within interconnected microchannels found in the lateral duct of the mussel foot to create porous, adhesive plaque filaments. —MAF

Microfluidic-like fabrication of metal ion–cured bioadhesives by mussels