Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 13.14
The principle in part of the self-healing mechanism within the matrix in the core of the byssus thread.
First extension is reached by straightening the curly protein chains. Further extension is then achieved by breaking the
reversibly breakable metal-ligand bonds. The drawing is based on the description in Ref.
45
.
increase the esthetic value over time, but it may
also contribute to reduced corrosion and
improved hygienic properties, since dirt and
microbes will have fewer areas in which to hide.
Another potential area of use is in prostheses
such as artificial hips and heart valves.
Desired properties include flexibility and
strength combined with self-healing. Flexible
materials are exposed to dynamic movements
that, over time, cause fatigue and cracks that
propagate through the material. In living sys-
tems these undesired effects are dealt with by
regenerating tissue, but this is not an option in
artificial materials. The self-healing properties
seen in the mussel threads are therefore desira-
ble, in particular for parts that are surgically
inserted into the human body, which are gener-
ally difficult and problematic to replace.
