German researchers have identified how snails tailor the physical properties of their mucus for different jobs, from gliding and sticking to defence and winter protection. The findings matter because snail slime is already used in cosmetics and may have applications in wound healing and drug delivery, while the study could inform the design of adaptable biological materials.

Studying five mucus types produced by grove snails, the team found they share broadly similar proteins, with collagen IV forming the main structure. Differences in protein quantity and the addition of amorphous calcium carbonate alter cross-linking, density and reinforcement, producing distinct properties; the defensive secretions contained the most proteins, while the winter shell-sealing epiphragm includes calcite.