The molecule underlies many insects' special abilities

Apr 25, 2012 14:42 GMT  ·  By
Insect protein-like material may soon support the healing of damaged vocal cords
   Insect protein-like material may soon support the healing of damaged vocal cords

A protein called resilin allows fleas to jump very high, grasshoppers to leap over large distances, and cicadas to communicate at frequencies close to radio wavelengths. Now, the same molecule may be used to improve existing therapies aimed at vocal cord disorders.

The protein's secret is its ability to maintain its integrity and function even after being stretched and deformed significantly. Its elasticity is partially what enables this capability. Scientists from the University of Delaware say it may unlock the regenerative power of some mechanically active tissues.

Investigators at UD announce the development of materials similar to resilin, which can interact with cells and are especially designed to support the growth processes required by several types of cells, PhysOrg reports. These materials could be especially useful for treating vocal cord damage.

The achievement is very important, since materials destined for vocal cords have been under research for years, but with minimal success. These tissues require extremely stringent properties, which only the resilin protein-like material appears to fulfill thus far.