Ticks use biological glue to stick more firmly to the skin. Research by Dutch scientists has shown that the arachnid's mouth contains proteins that harden and form a strong bond that is difficult to dissolve. Understanding the exact mechanism of coagulation could be used in the future to develop a new way to get rid of ticks – and more.
Teaks are one of the most difficult inhabitants of forests and gardens. Arachnids can bite the skin unexpectedly, they can carry pathogens, and they can be difficult to detect and safely remove. The latest research by Dutch scientists sheds some light on the mechanism of their attachment to the skin – as it turns out, ticks use glue for this purpose.
A unique glue
Researchers analyzed saliva samples from individuals of the Ixodes scapularis species – the American cousin of the common tick found in our forests. They noticed that compressing the substance causes cones to form and harden. As it turned out, the substance rich in protein acted as a rare bioglom.
– The glue consists of the fact that it is attached directly to the skin. All other similar substances stick to rocks or other hard surfaces, not living tissue, explained Siddharth Deshpande of Wageningen University, co-author of the study published in Nature Chemistry.
Scientists conducted physical and chemical analysis of proteins present in tick saliva. Due to the high content of one of the amino acids, glycine, the substance had the ability to quickly form connections between molecules and join together. The researchers also noted that when it hardened in the presence of salts found in fish saliva, it was very sticky and stable.
Nature's solution
Understanding the mechanism of tick biogel solidification may allow for the development of new methods of exterminating these arachnids or vaccines against ticks – unless they produce a sticky slime that makes it difficult to anchor in the skin. Natural glues can also be used in medicine.
Romana Santos of the University of Lisbon, who was not involved in the research, said: “Instead of trying to invent biogels, we need to look at nature's solutions.” – They have been performing their role in animals for a long time, so why don't they work in humans?
Scientists plan to conduct further research on the composition of the mouth of ticks and the mechanisms of its shedding. They are also interested in the physicochemical mechanisms of how they are excreted from the skin – most animals that produce bioglue remain attached to the substrate throughout their lives.
Scientist, Science X Network
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