Colonies bond together: Eastern oyster

1 of 1 Oyster bed in SE USA / Doug DuCap F.. / License

Colonies of oysters bond together to form reef complexes using a unique organic-inorganic hybrid cement adhesive.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Attach >
	Permanently

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Wet setting surgical adhesives New classes of synthetic materials Adhesion-preventing coatings & surfaces

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Coastal ecosystems rely upon oyster reefs to filter water, provide protection from storms, and build habitat for other species. From a chemistry perspective, few details are available to illustrate how these shellfish construct such extensive reef systems. Experiments presented here show that oysters generate a biomineralized adhesive material for aggregating into large communities. This cement is an organic−inorganic hybrid and differs from the surrounding shells by displaying an alternate CaCO₃ crystal form, a cross-linked organic matrix, and an elevated protein content. Emerging themes and unique aspects are both revealed when comparing oyster cement to the adhesives of other marine organisms. The presence of cross-linked proteins provides an analogy to mussel and barnacle adhesives whereas the high inorganic content is exclusive to oysters. With a description of oyster cement in hand we gain strategies for developing synthetic composite materials as well as a better understanding of the components needed for healthy coastal environments." (Burkett et al. 2010)

About the inspiring organism

eastern oyster
Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791)
[Blue Point oyster, American cupped oyster]

Some organism data provided by: ITIS: The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Wet setting surgical adhesives. New classes of synthetic materials. Adhesion-preventing coatings & surfaces.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Medicine, construction, shipping, marine, materials science

Experts

Wilker Research Group
Jonathan Wilker
Department of Chemistry, Purdue University

References

2010. Cement, the glue that holds oyster families together. EurekAlert! [Internet],

Burkett JR; Hight LM; Kenny P; Wilker JJ. 2010. Oysters produce an organic-inorganic adhesive for intertidal reef construction. J Am Chem Soc.

Colonies bond together: Eastern oyster

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