Age-related responses to injury and repair in insect cuticle
Citation:
O'Neill, M, DeLandro, D, Taylor, D. Age related responses to injury and repair in insect cuticle, Journal of Experimental Biology, 2019, 222, jeb182253Download Item:
jeb182253.full.pdf (PDF) 2.133Mb
Abstract:
We evaluated the ability of female adult desert locusts (Schistocercagregaria) to repair injuries to their exoskeletons and restore mechanical strength over the course of their natural life. We discovered that younger insects are more capable of repairing injuries, displaying no significant decreases in failure strength, stiffness or bending moment to failure after 3 weeks of repair. Older insects, in contrast, were only capable of repairing to∼70% of their original strength. Both older and younger insects carry out targeted deposition to repair injuries. We also examined different mechanisms of failure, and we discovered that the cuticle of older insects is more susceptible to crack growth due to a large decrease in fracture toughness with age, making them more sensitive to scalpel cuts and punctures. The biological mechanisms that drive these changes are still under investigation.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/dtaylorDescription:
PUBLISHED
Author: Taylor, David
Publisher:
The Company of Biologists LtdType of material:
Journal ArticleSeries/Report no:
Journal of Experimental Biology;222;
Availability:
Full text availableSubject (TCD):
Ageing , Nanoscience & Materials , Next Generation Medical DevicesDOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.182253Licences: