tick adhesion physical chemistry

Unveiling the Physical Chemistry of Tick Adhesion to Human Skin

Introduction to the Study

Researchers from Wageningen University and Research, Maastricht University, and EnzyTag BV in the Netherlands have elucidated the physical chemistry underlying ticks' adherence to host skin. Their study, published in Nature Chemistry, involved analyzing the phase separation of a synthesized amino acid resembling that found in tick saliva evaporation.

Background: Tick Adhesion Mechanism

The Mechanism of Tick Attachment

Previous studies have demonstrated that ticks adhere to a host, pierce the skin, and feed. However, the adhesive mechanism remained underexplored.

The Role of Tick Saliva

In this study, researchers collected tick saliva protein samples, observing their formation into solid cones on host skin, identifying it as a bio-adhesive uniquely suited to living tissues.

Key Findings from the Research

Composition of Tick Saliva

The research revealed that tick saliva contained proteins rich in glycine, produced in higher quantities just before the tick attached to a host. Previous studies have indicated that these proteins can inhibit protein folding, contributing to the hardness of the resulting cone.

Discovery of Liquid-to-Liquid Phase Separation

While examining the proteins in tick saliva, the research team discovered signs of a potential liquid-to-liquid phase separation. To verify this, they synthesized one of the primary amino acids found in the saliva, placed a drop on a flat surface, and observed its evaporation.

Experimental Verification

Observations of Phase Separation

Previous studies have demonstrated that other liquid-to-liquid phase separations, like those seen in coffee, lead to ring formation as they dry. After a few minutes, the team observed the expected rings, noting fluorescence at the ring boundaries and the formation of a rim. Additionally, they saw small droplets of the synthesized protein floating within the rim.

The Role of Salt in Hardening

Overall, the behavior observed in the drop demonstrated liquid-to-liquid phase separation. Adding salt reinforced the fluid bonds, leading to the formation of harder cones.

Confirmation with Natural Tick Saliva

To verify that natural tick saliva exhibited phase separation, the team collected a sufficient number of ticks to extract enough saliva for a repeat of the earlier experiments, confirming the same results.

Source

"Learn more about the intricate world of tick adhesion and its implications for future research. Read the full study and see how these findings might influence new solutions for tick-related health challenges."