Adhesion mechanisms of the mussel foot proteins mfp-1 and mfp-3

Mussels adhere to a variety of surfaces by depositing a highly specific ensemble of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine (DOPA) containing proteins. The adhesive properties of Mytilus edulis foot proteins mfp-1 and mfp-3 were directly measured at the nano-scale by using a surface forces apparatus (SFA). An adhesion energy of order W ≈3 × 10−4 J/m2 was achieved when separating two smooth and chemically inert surfaces of mica (a common alumino-silicate clay mineral) bridged or “glued” by mfp-3. This energy corresponds to an approximate force per plaque of ≈100 gm, more than enough to hold a mussel in place if no peeling occurs. In contrast, no adhesion was detected between mica surfaces bridged by mfp-1. AFM imaging and SFA experiments showed that mfp-1 can adhere well to one mica surface, but is unable to then link to another (unless sheared), even after prolonged contact time or increased load (pressure). Although mechanistic explanations for the different behaviors are not yet possible, the results are consistent with the apparent function of the proteins, i.e., mfp-1 is disposed as a “protective” coating, and mfp-3 as the adhesive or “glue” that binds mussels to surfaces. The results suggest that the adhesion on mica is due to weak physical interactions rather than chemical bonding, and that the strong adhesion forces of plaques arise as a consequence of their geometry (e.g., their inability to be peeled off) rather than a high intrinsic surface or adhesion energy, W.