Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that the crab's claws contain a bromine-rich biomaterial that is 1.5 times harder than acrylic glass.The translucent material containing bromine is extremely resistant to fracture and is found in the claw tips of striped shore crabs (Pachygrapsus cassipes) as well as the legs of Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister). The material is present in the parts of a crab's body that require strength or durability such as those for grasping prey or clinging to a perch, functions that would leave the animal vulnerable if dulled or fractured.
This bromine-rich material is part of a newly discovered class of biomaterials that incorporate heavy metals like zinc, iodine and iron. Why heavy metals are used is not clear, but it is believed they may dampen vibrations that lead to material failure. Typically, heavy-element biomaterials have only been found in smaller organisms such as insects. Insight into these exotic biomaterials may help in the design and manufacture of microtechnology applications.
These results were published in a recent edition of the Journal of Structural Biology.
Source: ScienceDaily
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