Elastic modulus and toughness of orb spider glycoprotein glue

PloS One
Brent D OpellSheree F Andrews

Abstract

An orb web's prey capture thread features tiny glue droplets, each formed of an adhesive glycoprotein core surrounded by an aqueous layer. Small molecules in the aqueous layer confer droplet hygroscopicity and maintain glycoprotein viscoelasticity, causing droplet volume and glycoprotein performance to track changes in environmental humidity. Droplet extension combines with that of a thread's supporting flagelliform fibers to sum the adhesive forces of multiple droplets, creating an effective adhesive system. We combined measurements of the force on an extending droplet, as gauged by the deflection of its support line, with measurements of glycoprotein volume and droplet extension to determine the Young's modulus (E) and toughness of three species' glycoproteins. We did this at five relative humidities between 20-90% to assess the effect of humidity on these properties. When droplets of a thread span extend, their extensions are constrained and their glycoprotein filaments remain covered by aqueous material. This was also the case during the first extension phase of the individual droplets that we examined. However, as extension progressed, the aqueous layer was progresses disrupted, exposing the glycoprotein. During the first ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 7, 2019·Die Naturwissenschaften·Sean D KellyLindsey L Owens
Jul 2, 2020·Molecules : a Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry·Gabriele Greco, Nicola M Pugno
Jun 19, 2021·Acta Biomaterialia·Brent D OpellMary L Hendricks

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