THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL MICROSTRUCTURE OF THE ACHATINA FULICA EPIPHRAGM.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL MICROSTRUCTURE OF THE ACHATINA FULICA EPIPHRAGM.
Authors:	STRUTHERS, M.¹, ROSAIR, G.¹, BUCKMAN, J.², VINEY, C.¹ c.viney@hw.ac.uk
Source:	Journal of Molluscan Studies. May2002, Vol. 68 Issue 2, p165-171. 7p. 4 Color Photographs, 1 Black and White Photograph, 1 Diagram, 1 Graph.
Subjects:	Giant African snail, Microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Matrices (Mathematics)
Abstract:	Microstructural characterization of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 epiphragms and mucus secretions was performed to address two questions: what are the structure and composition of the reinforcing inorganic phase in the epiphragms, and what enables a durable epiphragm to form quickly in comparison to other biomineralized materials? Characterization was performed by a combination of light microscopy (relying on a variety of contrast modes), wet chemical tests, environmental scanning electron microscopy (including the use of energy dispersive X-ray analysis to obtain compositional data), and X-ray diffraction. The morphology of the inorganic phase promotes mechanical interlocking and presents a large surface for binding to the organic matrix. Strong binding occurs between the organic and inorganic phases. The inorganic phase adopts the calcite structure; its composition is Ca0.912 Mg0.088 CO3. Epiphragms can form quickly because pre-grown crystals of the inorganic reinforcing phase are co-deposited with the mucus matrix. Unlike other biomineralized material, the crystals are not solution-grown in situ on an organic template in the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
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Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	Microstructural characterization of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 epiphragms and mucus secretions was performed to address two questions: what are the structure and composition of the reinforcing inorganic phase in the epiphragms, and what enables a durable epiphragm to form quickly in comparison to other biomineralized materials? Characterization was performed by a combination of light microscopy (relying on a variety of contrast modes), wet chemical tests, environmental scanning electron microscopy (including the use of energy dispersive X-ray analysis to obtain compositional data), and X-ray diffraction. The morphology of the inorganic phase promotes mechanical interlocking and presents a large surface for binding to the organic matrix. Strong binding occurs between the organic and inorganic phases. The inorganic phase adopts the calcite structure; its composition is Ca0.912 Mg0.088 CO3. Epiphragms can form quickly because pre-grown crystals of the inorganic reinforcing phase are co-deposited with the mucus matrix. Unlike other biomineralized material, the crystals are not solution-grown in situ on an organic template in the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
ISSN:	02601230
DOI:	10.1093/mollus/68.2.165