Marine mussel adhesion occurs through the formation of byssal threads
and an adhesive plaque. These structures are composed of several adhesive
proteins, including Mytilus edulis foot protein-1 (Mefp-1).Bioadhesion:
Structure, Oxidative Crosslinking, Adhesion, and Cohesion of Mussel Adhesive Protein
"The zebra mussel is not native to U.S. waters, but is believed to
have been introduced into this country by a European freighter in
1986. Since then, this organism has progressively infested waters
from the Hudson Bay to the Great Lakes, west of the Mississippi River,
and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. Zebra mussels adhere to
surfaces coming into contact with infested waters, which causes severe
fouling. These mussels are especially devastating to civil works
and industrial structures as they colonize on exposed surfaces. Zebra
mussels can adhere to almost any material, including themselves, which
accounts for the three-dimensional growth of their colonies.
Today the damage from zebra mussel fouling is estimated to be $5 billion by the year 2000, but without mitigation, the problem will continue to escalate. Among the operations affected are navigation systems (including locks and dams operated by the Corps of Engineers), water treatment plants, and industrial plants such as steelworks, oil companies, food processing, chemical, and mining. Some of the problems include capacity reduction, head loss, damaged piping, increased pumping cost, and changes in water taste and odor. An even more serious problem is blockage of fire protection systems. Methods of mitigating the zebra mussel are needed immediately. However, these methods can pose complex problems. First, the organism exists in a biosphere most likely affected by any radical measures such as chemical or biocide treatment; second, the numbers of structures already fouled would involve a prohibitive cost for retrofitting or replacing." Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratory
Above: Mussel-covered car pulled from a reservoir.
Photo credit: Tim Daniel, Ohio Division of Wildlife.
http://www.sg.ohio-state.edu/gifs/tlexotics.gif
Marine mussel adhesion occurs through the formation of byssal threads
and an adhesive plaque. These structures are composed of several adhesive
proteins, including Mytilus edulis foot protein-1 (Mefp-1).
Mefp-1 is a highly repetitive, proline-rich protein with high occurances of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), hydroxyproline (Hyp), and dihydroxyproline (DHP). Mefp-1 sticks to all surfaces, even in salt water, and is currently used as a cell and tissue adhesive (tradename: CellTak). Other possible applications include dental and surgical adhesives.
Mytilus edulis foot protein-1 (Mefp-1) peptide analogue
(AKPSYPPTYK)4