Byssus

Byssus (from the Greek bussons, "fine flax") describes all the filaments used by certain bivalve molluscs, such as the mussel, to attach themselves to a surface. These protein-based fibres are synthesised by the byssus gland.

Uses of byssus

Like many materials produced by living organisms, byssus has interesting properties, such as high resistance to wear and a high stretching capacity. It is certainly for these properties that, from ancient times until the mid 20^th century, these fibres were harvested from the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) to weave luxury garments!