Figure 4.

Bioinspired applications of snail mucus in nanotechnology and adhesion. (a) PHEMA hydrogel superglues. An overview of the epiphragm in snails, where dried mucus aids in adhering to uneven surfaces. Depicted are the chemical structure of PHEMA and its advantages in surpassing the challenges of liquid and dry adhesives. Challenges faced by solid adhesives with a high modulus when adhering to rough surfaces are illustrated. The proposed adhesion method using PHEMA gel showcases shape adaptability in a wet state, solidifying upon drying for optimized adhesion. Post drying, the hydrogel retains its deformed shape even under force (blue arrows). However, upon hydration, it reverts to its initial shape, enabling its easy detachment from the substrate (red arrows). Adapted with permission from ref (79). Copyright 2019 National Academy of Sciences. (b) PVA nanofibers loaded with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) synthesized using snail mucus (reducing and stabilizing agents) for wound healing applications. Adapted with permission from ref (41). Copyright 2022 MDPI. (c) Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing snail mucus. The mucus’s rich content of proteins and amino acids not only drove the nanoparticle synthesis but also emphasized its role in biostabilization and controlled the reduction of silver nitrate to silver particles. The process is marked by its ecofriendliness, simplicity, and scalability. Resulting nanoparticles exhibited potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Adapted with permission from ref (82). Copyright 2021 Springer Nature.