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Research on Cepaea nemoralis mucus versatility

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2026-08-10 10:11 UTC → 2026-08-16 05:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, have published a study in the journal Science regarding the versatile properties of mucus produced by the common banded snail (Cepaea nemoralis). The study identifies five distinct slime variants: gliding, adhesive, protective, defensive, and foamy. These variants allow the snail to perform functions such as locomotion, predator deterrence, ~~and~~ sealing the shell during ~~hibernation.~~ hibernation or dormancy, and protection against dehydration. While the mucus ranges from liquid and slippery to solid and sticky, all types share a common protein matrix centered around Collagen VI, supplemented with calcium and sugars. By adjusting the proportions of these basic building blocks through layering, drying, or incorporating air, the snail manipulates the material’s physical states. ~~Scientists~~ Franziska Jehle of the Max Planck Institute for Colloid and Interface Research noted that ~~these~~ the ability to change material properties using identical components makes the substance highly significant for biomaterial research. These findings highlight the potential of snail mucus as a high-performance, biocompatible natural biomaterial for applications in material science and medical adhesives.

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