Snails Craft Unique Slimes Using Collagen and Calcium Techniques

WHO:

Phys.org - Researchers from the "Biomaterials" department at the Max Planck Campus in Potsdam-Golm.

WHAT:

Ars Technica - Snails use collagen and calcium to create different types of mucus with varying mechanical properties.

Phys.org - Common brown-lipped snails (Cepaea nemoralis) can produce multiple types of slime, which can be liquid, solid, sticky, or slippery.

WHERE:

Phys.org - Max Planck Campus in Potsdam-Golm.

WHY:

Phys.org - The slime produced by snails is seen as a promising natural material due to its versatility.

HOW:

Ars Technica - The combination of collagen and calcium allows snails to engineer their slime for different functions.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 19:56 UTC)

Researchers from the Biomaterials department at the Max Planck Campus in Potsdam-Golm have discovered that common brown-lipped snails can produce various types of mucus with unique mechanical properties. By combining collagen and calcium, these snails are able to engineer their slime to be liquid, solid, sticky, or slippery, showcasing its versatility. This slime is being recognized as a promising natural material for various applications due to its diverse functionalities.