When you imagine our futuristic bodies, you
probably envision glittery cybernetic implants
and 3D-printed human tissues. But what if
I told you biomaterials from spider silk and
even squid sucker teeth might find their way
into our bodies
in the form of biomedical enhancements?
The potential for spider silk is nothing new.
For years, researchers have envied this fine
continuous protein fiber for its durable-yet-pliable
composition. They've suggested its structure
as a basis for bone-and-tendon mending biomedical
adhesives, scaffolding for lab-grown organs
and even optical materials for biosensors,
lasers and microchips.
Recently, however, squid tentacles have slithered
inside our future conceptions of the augmented
human body as well.
See, those rings of razor-sharp sucker teeth
have to be both strong and stretchy to help
the creature latch onto prey. A 2014 Singaporean
study first identified the "suckerin" protein
and deciphered its genetic code and last month
the Nanyang Technological University researchers
presented their findings at the 60th annual
meeting of the Biophysical Society in LA.
The suckerin proteins benefit from "beta-sheet"
polymer network composition, which also makes
the material thermoplastic. It melts when
heated and hardens when cooled. That means
its moldable and reusable, much like certain
synthetic polymers used in things like PVC
pipes, various acrylics, nylon and Teflon
-- but a suckerin-based material would also
be eco-friendly. The researchers suggest that
self-assembling squid sucker ring teeth proteins
could be used in artificial ligaments and
bone growth scaffolding.
So what do you think about incorporating squid
or spider biomaterials into your body?
Let us know and if you crave more weird science
wonders,
be sure to check out now.HowStuffWorks.com each and every day.
