Resilin

Resilin is a long-chain protein, which is often found in nature, especially in different arthropods. It has rubber-like elastic properties (similar to elastin ); therefore, the protein molecule to three times the length can take off without breaking. Protein chains are crosslinked by bridges of di-and trimeric tyrosine.

Above all insects use its excellent elastic properties. For example, the rubber-like protein forms at the dragonflies a micro joint which can withstand up to one million wing beats without cracking or becoming brittle. Also, fleas have resilin in the hind legs. For them, it serves as a short-term energy storage, since muscles are unable to contract quickly enough. Research into the technical properties of resilin have already been conducted by Stanislav Gorb from the Max Planck Institute for Materials Research several years ago.

For a long time, the human medicine wishes such a super elastic. But only recently (2005) it is Australian researchers at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation ( CSIRO ) has succeeded in St. Lucia, to produce the material artificially. Whether the substance is actually used, is mainly dependent on the rejection of the human organism.

Protein isoform Odonata Natural rubber
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