The mutable collagenous tissue of echinoderms: from biology to biomedical applications

Wilkie, I. C., Sugni, M., Gupta, H.S., Carnevali, M.D. C. and Elphick, M.R. (2021) The mutable collagenous tissue of echinoderms: from biology to biomedical applications. In: Azevedo, H. S., Mano, J. F. and Borges, J. (eds.) Soft Matter for Biomedical Applications. Series: Soft Matter Series. Royal Society of Chemistry, pp. 1-33. ISBN 9781788017572 (doi: 10.1039/9781839161124-00001)

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Abstract

The mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) of echinoderms (starfish, sea-urchins and their close relations) has the capacity to drastically alter its mechanical properties within a timescale of seconds under the control of the nervous system. MCT is of central importance to the biology of echinoderms: postural fixation of the body or its appendages depends on passive MCT stiffening, and all autotomy (defensive self-detachment) mechanisms involve irreversible MCT destabilisation. This chapter reviews research on the biology and biomedical applications of MCT. It focuses on recent advances in knowledge of its organisation, biomechanics, molecular mechanisms of tensile change and neural control and demonstrates that MCT has attracted interest as a source of constituents for the construction of novel materials with potential biomedical applications and as a source of inspiration for the design of entirely artificial materials with adaptable and controllable mechanical properties.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wilkie, Dr Iain
Authors: Wilkie, I. C., Sugni, M., Gupta, H.S., Carnevali, M.D. C., and Elphick, M.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Publisher:Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN:9781788017572

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