Isabelle Marcotte on Le Code Chastenay

Le code Chastenay

The scientific program Le code Chastenay, will present a report on the work of Pr. Isabelle Marcotte on the byssus of the mussel.

The mussel: new advanced biomaterial?

Who says mussels, very often says fries. But who says mussels, may also say, one day, replacement of bones and dental implants … Indeed, researchers at UQAM have discovered that the beard that adorns the shell of the mussel – also called byssus – has the potential to become a promising biomaterial because of its amazing mechanical properties. Very stretchy and particularly resistant, the byssus outperforms all other natural fibers, with the exception of the spider web. Rich in protein, byssus could also be very compatible with the human body. At the moment, scientists do not yet fully understand how the mussel succeeds in producing such a masterpiece of resistance and extensibility.

Broadcasting

UQAM Professor in the Chemistry Department, Isabelle Marcotte, will present her research tomorrow on Le Code Chastenay on Télé-Québec and will also be broadcast on the following dates and times: Wednesday, February 1 at 3:00 p.m. and Saturday February 4 at 3:30 p.m.