Mussel byssal threads are functionally graded biological fibers adapted for tethering the soft tissue of the organism (∼1 MPa) to hard surfaces !(25 GPa) in the rocky seashore. A stiffness gradient mitigates contact deformation and is defined by an incrementally regulated distribution of two protein block copolymer variants with stiff and pliable domains, respectively.
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Harrington et al. (2008) studied this question.
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