Hagfish slime contains thread-like proteins that could be mimicked in human materials. New research from a group led by Douglas Fudge (pictured above) provides insight into how the proteins form in hagfish cells. (Credit: Dean Palmer, via University of Guelph)
Hagfish slime – produced as a defense mechanism – contains long, thread-like proteins that can be as strong as spider silk. A new study provides insights that could help researchers create artificial versions of these threads for use in clothing or other applications.
The study used advanced microscopic techniques to trace the life cycle of the hagfish cells that produce the protein, and create 3D models of how the protein threads are coiled to prevent them getting tangled.
Original research paper published in the journal Nature Communications on April 4, 2014.
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