Hemolymph of molluscan origin: from biochemistry to modern biomaterials science

Abstract

AbstractMolluscan hemolymph is a unique kind of body fluid, which in many respects is analogous to human blood, although there are several crucial differences. Here, for the first time, we critically analyze the prospects for applications of this fluid in modern biomaterials science. Particular attention is paid to the biochemistry and chemistry of molluscan hemolymph, as well as to hemocytes and hemocyanins as key functional players within this unique biological fluid. We focus on hemocytes as multifunctional hemolytic cells involved in immune response, and especially in the biomineralization process. The next part of the review contains a discussion of molluscan shell formation and regeneration from different points of view. Finally, we consider the challenges, solutions, and future directions in the application of molluscan hemolymph for bioinspired material chemistry and biomedicine.