2024-10-17 13:31:00
Byssus is a fiber produced from certain mussels. Its resistance and adhesion properties in a humid environment are of interest to industry, particularly in biotechnology, and design to manufacture biocompatible medical equipment and more ecological glues.
Byssus, also called “sea silk”, is a fiber produced by certain mussels to attach securely to marine surfaces such as rocks or boat hulls.
Considered the gold of the sea, it is known since ancient times. The Bible mentions this fine material, associated with the fabrics of King Solomon and Queen Hecuba, and Aristotle talks about it in his work History of animals (The history of animals).
A tradition of textiles designed with this “sea silk”
Each mussel can secrete between fifty and one hundred fibers, which harden on contact with salt water, forming a natural glue of exceptional strength often described as “the most powerful glue in the world”.
Historically, byssus was used to create rare and precious textiles, a skill that still persists in Sardinia. The fibers were traditionally harvested by hand, today with a special machine “a debysseuse”, without damaging the mussels.
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Tomorrow, biodegradable glues, medical adhesives and other innovative materials?
Currently, these fibers of increasing interest to researchers due to their adhesion in humid environments, their resistance to ultraviolet, salts and extreme temperatures. They hold promise for applications such as biodegradable glues, medical adhesives and innovative environmentally friendly materials.
However, challenges linked to industrial production and integration still hinder the large-scale development of this sector. Future advances will determine whether this “sea silk” can revolutionize certain sectors thanks to its unique properties.
Strength, adhesion capabilities and antimicrobial properties
Byssus fibers, although rare, indeed offer fascinating prospects in various fields. Their exceptional strength and ability to adhere underwater make them a material of interest to bioengineers exploring applications in the development of new surgical and medical adhesivesparticularly useful in humid environments. THE natural antimicrobial properties of fibers also open up avenues in the field of health.
In addition, the study of specific byssus proteins could contribute to the design of biomimetic materials. Reproducing the robustness and elasticity of these fibers could pave the way for applications ranging from repair to reconstruction of human tissues.
In a completely different sector, the textile industry, sea silk, although marginal due to its complex production, could inspire the creation of ultra-resistant and durable textiles.
Valorization sectors still experimental
The value chains for mussel byssus are limited and still under development. But they have promising potential. Valorization efforts focus on the extraction of the proteins that make up these fibers, with the aim of innovative applications in the biomedical and technological industries.
Biotechnologies explore for example the use of the adhesive properties of byssus to develop biodegradable surgical glues. At the same time, initiatives are beginning to emerge to exploit byssus in cosmetic products or bioplasticscapitalizing on their resilience and biocompatibility.
However, these sectors remain in an experimental state for the moment, due to the difficulty in recovering these fibers in sufficient quantities and in a sustainable manner. The valorization of mussel byssus could accelerate with major technological advances in the field of bioinspiration.
Research also related to architecture and design
“Mytilula” curtain from hors-studio x Cécile Feichenfeldt, made from mussel byssus fibers and copper wires. On the copper side on the front, the sun’s rays are reflected and keep the heat away. On the reverse side, the byssus maintains freshness in the interior space, thanks to its insulating properties. Ella Perdereau, Author provided (no reuse)
As part of research carried out by the “Synthesis and Isolation of Bioactive Molecules” laboratory (SIMBA), in collaboration with the design sector agency hors-studiothe laboratory is exploring the possibility of creating new materials from natural glues combined with biomass, such as byssus.
These materials could be used in architectural and design applications, providing a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional materials. This work is part of an “Art & Sciences” thesis grant, carried out in partnership with hors-studio.
Advantages and limitations of biodegradable binders based on byssus fibers
The byssus is capable of creating strong bonds, even in a humid environment, thanks to specific proteins (mainly mfp-1 or mussel foot protein-1 as well as other proteins) which have the particularity of being able to interact chemically with surfaces, forming robust bonds (called “covalent bonds”) while retaining a certain flexibility.
Biodegradable binders based on mussel byssus fibers would have the ability to reproduce natural adhesive properties. These binders have several major advantages:
First, their exceptional adhesion in wet environments makes them ideal for medical applications, such as surgical glues, where traditional adhesives often fail.
In addition, their biodegradability reduces their environmental impact. They break down naturally after use, a crucial advantage in medical applications where removal of adhesives could be invasive. In industry, byssus-based binders could prove ideal as a replacement for synthetic glues, often made from petrochemicals, which leave toxic residues in the environment.
Being derived from natural substances, their biocompatibility makes them a priori non-toxic and compatible with human tissues, which could minimize the risks of rejection or immune reaction.
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However, these binders also have limitations. Their production cost remains high because the extraction of byssus proteins is complex and their synthesis requires advanced biotechnological techniques.
Furthermore, their stability and long-term performance may prove insufficient under certain extreme conditions and their adhesion may sometimes be lower than that of synthetic adhesives. Finally, their limited lifespan, although it is an ecological advantage, can pose a problem for uses requiring lasting adhesion.
Reduce costs and make manufacturing more accessible
For biodegradable binders made from mussel byssus fibers to become a viable alternative to synthetic glues, several crucial steps must still be taken.
Research must focus on optimizing the mass production of these adhesive proteins or on innovative extraction techniques, in order to reduce costs and make their manufacture more accessible.
Improving the stability and performance of binders, while maintaining their biodegradability, will also be essential to expand their use.
A demand for ecological and biocompatible solutions
This sector is favored by a growing demand for ecological and biocompatible solutions, as well as by advances in biotechnology which make it possible to reproduce byssus proteins in the laboratory.
However, its development is hampered by the technical challenges linked to large-scale production and the integration of these binders into existing industrial processes, where synthetic glues have dominated for decades.
The future of these binders will therefore depend on the balance between technological innovation, economic viability and increased awareness of environmental issues.
This article is published as part of the Science Festival (which takes place from October 4 to 14, 2024), and of which The Conversation France is a partner. This new edition focuses on the theme “ocean of knowledge”. Find all the events in your region on the site Fetedelascience.fr.
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