The scaly-foot snail was discovered in 2003. It lives at the bottom of the Indian Ocean, in very inhospitable conditions. The snail can withstand the water pressure at a depth of 2,400 metres, as well as the high acid content of the water. The temperature of the water fluctuates greatly as the snail is exposed to hot water gushing from hydrothermal vents. In addition to this, the snail seems to be at risk from predators, such as crabs. Amazingly, the snail has adapted to these harsh conditions, resulting in a unique creature which is of great interest to scientists and researchers.
The Triple Layered Shell of the Scaly-Foot Snail
The snail shell is comprised of three layers. The first layer is embedded with iron sulphide granules. This snail is the only creature known to use iron sulphides in this way. Most snail shells are made from calcium carbonate, but this shell actually contains iron, making it incredibly strong and impervious to attack.
The second layer is an organic layer, very similar to that found in other snail species. This thick, organic layer is the most vulnerable layer, but is sandwiched in between the other two rigid layers of shell.
The third layer is made from a calcium mineral called aragonite, which is found in mollusc shells and corals.
Scientist used a sharp, diamond tipped nanoprobe to try to pierce the snail shell, but this was not successful. They also tried to replicate a crab attack by exerting force over a large area, but again, the shell was impervious to attack. The researchers concluded that each layer of shell contributes to the effectiveness of the armour. The middle organic layer absorbs the energy of a squeezing attack as well as dissipating heat. Large cracks cannot form in the shell because of the way it is constructed.
The Scaly-Foot Snail Inspires Researchers
There are a number of potential applications for materials that mimic the structure of the scaly-foot snail shell. Stronger body armour and helmets could be made by copying the shell structure, but replacing the organic shell layer with bulletproof material. Ship and aircraft hulls can be reinforced. Scientists are even looking into ways that Arctic oil pipelines could be protected from icebergs using this technology.
The immediate problem for scientists is to find a way of replicating this unique structure. Biomimetic materials are notoriously difficult to make. The more scientists understand about this amazing creature, the more chance they will have of creating a material that will have the potential save many lives.
Sources:
MIT News "Iron Plated Snail Could Inspire New Armor"
CBC News "Snails Iron Armour Eyed By the Military"
Discovery News "Iron Snail Inspires New Armor"
Louise Jones - I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby, but started writing reviews online in February 2010 for Dooyoo, and later Ciao. In the beginning ...
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