Analysis of pulmonate mucus by infrared spectroscopy

Infrared (IR)-spectroscopy can analyse a range of molecules in diverse biological systems and has already found use in forensic biology, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. Using IR-spectroscopy to analyse gastropod mucus represents an original application of this technique. This study describes the differences in mucus composition that appear to be species specific, as well as identifying many of the molecular components of the mucus itself. All species studied showed IR absorbance bands indicating the presence of amide bonds as well as profiles associated with the sugar side chains, indicating a commonality associated with the gel properties of pedal mucus which may have a role in locomotion. The species-specific band profiles may provide an indication of the differing roles required of the mucus by the specific gastropod tested.