Purification of perna viridis (Asian green mussels) adhesive proteins

Abstract

Asian green mussels, Perna viridis, are commonly found in the coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific regions. These mussels are infamous for adhering to ships’ hull, marine equipment and damaging submerged structures (biofouling). Once adhered, despite being exposed to harsh conditions such as strong waves and sea water, the mussels do not come off easily. Biomimetic research on the mussels’ adhesive biological system allows the harnessing of such strong adhesive properties for the betterment of mankind.

For the purpose of studying and eventually making use of these mussel adhesive proteins in commercial products, there is a need for processes to produce high yields of pure adhesive proteins from the crude proteins extracted from the mussels. These processes will have to be environmentally friendly, and be competitive both economically and functionally.1

This report will cover on the steps and methods used to characterise and isolate pure adhesive proteins from the Perna viridis foot glands, which includes gel-electrophoresis (Acid-Urea), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), and fractionation of the proteins by precipitation with different water miscible organic solvents.