Characterisation of a skin secretion with adhesive properties in the ground frog Eupsophus vertebralis (Alsodidae)

Abstract

Some skin secretions with adhesive properties allow frogs to distract predators and escape; their nature is poorly studied. Here, we report the sticky skin secretion released by the Patagonian frog Eupsophus vertebralis when stressed. This secretion contained ~ 50% proteins spanning 25–250 kDa and required a fast setting time to turn into strong adhesive, which worked well on synthetic and biological materials. Lap-shear assays with Eupsophus glue secretion showed average shear strength of 3.34 MPa, comparable to cyanoacrylate (5.47 MPa). These properties suggest its biotechnological value for practical applications in industrial and medical sectors.