Characterization of biominerals in the radula teeth of the chiton, Acanthopleura hirtosa

M. Saunders; C. Kong; J.A. Shaw; D.J. Macey; P.L. Clode

doi:10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.003

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Characterization of biominerals in the radula teeth of the chiton, Acanthopleura hirtosa

Journal article

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Characterization of biominerals in the radula teeth of the chiton, Acanthopleura hirtosa

M. Saunders, C. Kong, J.A. Shaw, D.J. Macey and P.L. Clode

Journal of Structural Biology, Vol.167(1), pp.55-61

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.003

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Abstract

Understanding biomineralization processes provides a route to the formation of novel biomimetic materials with potential applications in fields from medicine to materials engineering. The teeth of chitons (marine molluscs) represent an excellent example of a composite biomineralized structure, comprising variable layers of iron oxide, iron oxyhydroxide and apatite. Previous studies of fully mineralized teeth using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have hinted at the underlying microstructure, but have lacked the resolution to provide vital information on fine scale structure, particularly at interfaces. While transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is capable of providing this information, difficulties in producing suitable samples from the hard, complex biocomposite have hindered progress. To overcome this problem we have used focused ion beam (FIB) processing to prepare precisely oriented sections across interfaces in fully mineralized teeth. In particular, the composite structure is found to be more complex than previously reported, with additional phases (goethite and amorphous apatite) and interface detail observed. This combination of FIB processing and TEM analysis has enabled us to investigate the structural and compositional properties of this complex biocomposite at higher resolution than previously reported and has the potential to significantly enhance future studies of biomineralization in these animals.

Details

Title: Characterization of biominerals in the radula teeth of the chiton, Acanthopleura hirtosa
Authors/Creators: M. Saunders (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
C. Kong (Author/Creator) - UNSW Sydney
J.A. Shaw (Author/Creator) - Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
D.J. Macey (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
P.L. Clode (Author/Creator) - Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
Publication Details: Journal of Structural Biology, Vol.167(1), pp.55-61
Publisher: Elsevier
Identifiers: 991005543858207891
Copyright: © Elsevier
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 2 Chemistry; 2.165 Nanofibers, Scaffolds & Fabrication; 2.165.1082 Calcium Carbonate Crystallization
Web Of Science research areas: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Biophysics; Cell Biology
ESI research areas: Biology & Biochemistry