Abstract
Diverse whelks which represent a group of marine caenogastropod snails localize their embryos in unique biocomposite-based egg capsules. These multilaminate and capsular proteins-containing constructs are highly resilient. Capsular protein possesses comprehensive flexibility with ability to fast recovery which is proved by the decrease in the magnitude of elastic modulus (seeming damage) which starts at 3–5% strain. Take into consideration of the mechanical reaction to strain, this material is dissimilar to typical elastomeric proteins such as elastin or collagen. It is suggested that capsular elastomers possess high biomimetic potential for design and development of novel artificial hybrid materials.
The eggs of the whelks are laid enclosed in protective capsules which, after the hatching of the eggs, are frequently found cast up by the sea along the shoreline. These capsules have a horny sclerotized appearance and are semitransparent and brownish in colour.
S. Hunt, Nature, 1966
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Ehrlich, H. (2019). Capsular Bioelastomers of Whelks. In: Marine Biological Materials of Invertebrate Origin. Biologically-Inspired Systems, vol 13. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92483-0_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92483-0_15
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