Sucker rings from the humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas: The role of nanotubule architecture on the mechanical properties

Ali Miserez*, James C. Weaver, David Kisailus, Henrik Birkedal

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The suckers that line the arms and tentacles of squid are equipped with rigid toothed ring-like elements that increase the gripping power during prey capture and handling. The sucker rings of the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas, are fully proteinaceous and contain nanotubules with diameters ranging from 100 to 250 nm. It has been shown previously that the ensuing porosity is a prime determinant of the local elastic modulus [A. Miserez et al.. Adv. Mater. 21, 401 (2009)]. Here additional nanoindentation data are presented together with structural analyses. The nanomechanical data support our model that the measured modulus is determined by the local porosity. The dry moduli reach ca. 8 GPa and are reduced about two-fold in the hydrated state. This surprisingly small reduction is discussed in relation to possible chemistries responsible for assembly of these structures.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationStructure-Property Relationships in Biomineralized and Biomimetic Composites
PublisherMaterials Research Society
Pages41-46
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781605111605
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Event2009 MRS Spring Meeting - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Apr 14 2009Apr 17 2009

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1187
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Conference

Conference2009 MRS Spring Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period4/14/094/17/09

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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