Did you know that studying cutaneous glands can result in significant advances in science and technology? The cutaneous glands are a type of microscopic glands on the skin of an organism, capable of producing various substances. There are a total of 5 different types of glands, all part of the integumentary system (Saladin et al., 2021). They are capable of secreting milk, sweat, oil and other substances unique to an animal. Their specific position on the body, and the type of secretion they produce may change with the climate or the needs of a species.
Interestingly, these glands play an important role in bio-technological development. Recent research has revealed that salamanders, in particular, produce glue using these glands, allowing them to fulfil a variety of purposes. Salamanders have a considerable history of being researched, even providing scientists with data about novel types of infections (Zhao et al., 2020). Adhesive substances on salamanders can fulfill different purposes, including a defense mechanism, a tool for better movement and others (Von Byern et al., 2021). The production of biological adhesives by these salamanders has given the scientific community new ideas about the development of glues (Von Byern et al., 2021). The creation of biodegradable and sustainable adhesive substances can potentially help with matters of construction and conserving the environment.
Discussing salamander’s ability to produce glue from their cutaneous glands, considerations of biotechnology come into full prominence. A creation of a naturally sourced, renewable and non-polluting glue would likely benefit many kinds of communities, improve the local environment and reduce expected levels of global climate change. In addition, it is likely that new emergent types of glue will be less toxic to the human body, allowing workers and other people to more safely interact with them.
References
Saladin, K. S., Gan, C. A., & Cushman, H. N. (2021). Anatomy & physiology: The unity of form and function.
Von Byern, J., Farkaš, R., Steinort, D., Greistorfer, S., Eckhard, M., & Cyran, N. (2021). Perspective for a new Bioinspired permanent adhesive for dry conditions – Insights in the glue producing Japanese art of defence system of the Oita salamander Hynobius dunni. Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, 7. Web.
Zhao, G., Luo, Z., Wang, Y., Liu, J., Wu, D., Zhang, L., & Yang, X. (2020). Draft genome sequencing and annotation of a low-virulence Morganella morganii strain CQ-M7, a multidrug-resistant isolate from the giant salamander in China. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance, 20, 248-252. Web.