Biomimetic generation of the strongest known biomaterial found in limpet tooth

Robin M. H. Rumney, Samuel C. Robson, Alexander P. Kao, Eugen Barbu, Lukasz Bozycki, James R. Smith, Simon M. Cragg, Fay Couceiro, Rachna Parwani, Gianluca Tozzi, Michael Stuer, Asa H. Barber, Alex T. Ford and Dariusz C. Górecki ()
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Robin M. H. Rumney: University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building
Samuel C. Robson: University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building
Alexander P. Kao: University of Portsmouth
Eugen Barbu: University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building
Lukasz Bozycki: University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building
James R. Smith: University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building
Simon M. Cragg: University of Portsmouth
Fay Couceiro: University of Portsmouth
Rachna Parwani: University of Portsmouth
Gianluca Tozzi: University of Portsmouth
Michael Stuer: EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
Asa H. Barber: University of Portsmouth
Alex T. Ford: University of Portsmouth
Dariusz C. Górecki: University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31139-0

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