Snail study unveils composition of three different types of mucus
By 
Julia Robinson2023-09-14T08:30:00
Findings could help develop synthetic mucus for biomedical applications, as well as cosmetics
Analysis of three types of mucus produced by garden snails has revealed the subtle differences in proteins, ions and glycans that dictate their contrasting properties. It is hoped the findings will aid the design of biomimetic synthetic mucus.
Snail mucus and cosmetic products derived from it are a $12 billion (£9.6 billion) industry, and this mucus is also being investigated for joint lubricants, surgical adhesives and drug delivery, among other applications. However, uncertainty surrounding its composition has complicated efforts to exploit its properties.
The researchers, based at City University of New York in the US, collected mucus from the garden snail Cornu aspersum . This species secretes three types of mucus – one that hydrates and protects its skin, another that acts as an adhesive glue and a lubricant that lets the snail glide across a surface.