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Biomimetic generation of the strongest known biomaterial found in limpet tooth

Robin M. H. Rumney,S. C. Robson,Alexander P. Kao,Eugen Barbu,Lukasz Bozycki,J. R. Smith,S. Cragg,Fay Couceiro,R. Parwani,Gianluca Tozzi,M. Stuer,Asa H. Barber,Alex T. Ford,Dariusz C. Górecki

Published 2022 in Nature Communications

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. The highest tensile strength biomaterial known exists in limpet teeth and replicating this material is of interest. Here, the authors report on the ex vivo growth of teeth and use of isolated limpet tissue and cells providing foundations for the development of this high-tensile biomaterial.

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