Miloš Vittori (Author), Vesna Šrot (Author), Lidija Korat (Author), Matjaž Rejec (Author), Pavel Sedmak (Author), Birgit Bussmann (Author), Felicitas Predel (Author), Peter A. van Aken (Author), Jasna Štrus (Author)

Abstract

Exposed regions of the arthropod exoskeleton have specialized structure and mineral composition. Their study can provide insights into the evolutionary optimization of the cuticle as a material. We determined the structural and compositional features of claws in the crustacean Ligia pallasii using X-ray micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). In addition, we used nanoindentation to determine how these features fine-tune the mechanical properties of the claw cuticle. We found that the inner layer of the claw cuticle—the endocuticle—contains amorphous calcium phosphate, while the outer layer—the exocuticle—is not mineralized and contains elevated amounts of bromine. While the chitin–protein fibers in crustacean exoskeletons generally shift their orientation, they are aligned axially in the claws of L. pallasii. As a consequence, the claw cuticle has larger elastic modulus and hardness in the axial direction. We show that amorphous calcium phosphate mineralization and the brominated cuticle are widespread in isopod crustaceans inhabiting terrestrial habitats. We discuss how the features of the claw cuticle may aid in minimizing the likelihood of fracture. Ultimately, our study points out the features that increase the durability of thin skeletal elements.

Keywords

kutikula;biomeateriali;biomineralizacija;členonožci;hitin;eksoskelet;kalcijecv fosfat;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UL BF - Biotechnical Faculty
UDC: 595.2/.7
COBISS: 89748995 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 2075-163X
Views: 87
Downloads: 36
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
Metadata: JSON JSON-RDF JSON-LD TURTLE N-TRIPLES XML RDFA MICRODATA DC-XML DC-RDF RDF

Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: kutikula;biomateriali;biomineralizacija;členonožci;hitin;eksoskelet;kalcijev fosfat;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: str. 1-15
Volume: ǂno. ǂ12
Issue: ǂart. ǂ1373
Chronology: 6. Dec. 2021
DOI: 10.3390/min11121373
ID: 15327511