Biofoams


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Tropical frogs and horses produce protein-based foams, which are otherwise rare in nature.


Structural insights into the mechanism of this unusual phenomenon promise applications in a range of fields. Michael Gross reports


24 Chemistry&Industry • November 2013


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he common tree frog (Polypedates leucomystax), which is widespread in Southern Asia, has a remarkable way of protecting its spawn. The


female secretes a protein-rich liquid, which she whips into foam with rapid movements of her legs, and it dries to form a nest for her eggs. This foam nest remains stable over several days, even in the punishing conditions of the tropical jungle. Fascinatingly, some of them rapidly turn blue-green – so rapidly that the reaction can be watched going


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