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The Internal Structure of the Velvet Worm Projectile Slime: A Small-Angle Scattering Study.

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Velvet worm slime rapidly solidifies into fibers upon mechanical stress. New research reveals most slime proteins are free in solution, not in nanoglobules, challenging previous models of fiber formation.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science
  • Zoology

Background:

  • Velvet worms (Onychophora) eject adhesive slime for prey capture and defense.
  • This slime is a model for recyclable complex liquids, transitioning from liquid to solid fibers upon mechanical agitation.
  • Understanding the nanostructure of slime components is crucial for elucidating its mechanoresponsive behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the nanostructural organization of velvet worm slime components.
  • To determine the distribution of proteins and lipids within the slime.
  • To reassess the role of nanoglobules in slime fiber formation.

Main Methods:

  • Small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS) were employed to study slime nanostructure.
  • A three-component model was used to analyze scattering data, considering proteins of two molecular weight fractions and nanoscale globules.
  • Slime re-hydration with light and heavy water was used to differentiate lipid distribution.

Main Results:

  • The majority of slime proteins exist freely in solution, with less than 10% found within nanoglobules.
  • Lipids are predominantly located within the nanoglobules and exhibit homogeneous distribution.
  • Mechanical agitation without air or directional shearing did not induce fiber formation or significantly alter bulk structure.

Conclusions:

  • The function of nanoglobules in slime fiber formation needs reassessment, as they contain only a small fraction of the total proteins.
  • Lipids appear to be a major component of the nanoglobules.
  • Interfacial phenomena and directional shearing are likely critical factors for slime fiber formation, rather than solely mechanical impact.