1
|
Krings W, Gorb SN. Performance of biological food processing interfaces: Perspectives on the science of mollusc radula. Biointerphases 2024; 19:030801. [PMID: 38940493 DOI: 10.1116/6.0003672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mollusca comprises a diverse range of organisms, with the class Gastropoda alone boasting approximately 80 000 extant species. Their adaptability across various habitats is facilitated by the evolution of the radula, a key structure for food acquisition. The radula's composition and mechanical properties, including its chitinous membrane, teeth, and supporting structures, enable efficient food gathering and processing. Through adaptive tooth morphology and composition, an interplay between radular components is facilitated, which results in collective effects to withstand forces encountered during feeding and reduce structural failure, with the broad range of variations reflecting ecological niches. Furthermore, teeth consist of composite materials with sometimes high contents of iron, calcium, or silicon to reduce wear. During interaction with the food, the radula performs complex three-dimensional motions, challenging to document. Here, we provide a review on the morphology, the mechanical properties, the composition, and various other parameters that contribute to radular performance. Due to, e.g., the smallness of these structures, there are, however, limitations to radular research. However, numerical simulations and physical models tested on substrates offer avenues for further understanding radular function and performance during feeding. These studies not only advance our knowledge of molluscan biology and ecology but also provide inspirations for biomimetic design and further advances in materials engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencke Krings
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, Hamburg 20146, Germany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstraße 12, Leipzig 04103, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Paleoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, Hamburg 20146, Germany
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24118, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wysokowski M, Luu RK, Arevalo S, Khare E, Stachowiak W, Niemczak M, Jesionowski T, Buehler MJ. Untapped Potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Synthesis of Bioinspired Inorganic-Organic Materials. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2023; 35:7878-7903. [PMID: 37840775 PMCID: PMC10568971 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c00847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in 2003, significant progress has been made in the field, specifically advancing aspects of their preparation and physicochemical characterization. Their low-cost and unique tailored properties are reasons for their growing importance as a sustainable medium for the resource-efficient processing and synthesis of advanced materials. In this paper, the significance of these designer solvents and their beneficial features, in particular with respect to biomimetic materials chemistry, is discussed. Finally, this article explores the unrealized potential and advantageous aspects of DESs, focusing on the development of biomineralization-inspired hybrid materials. It is anticipated that this article can stimulate new concepts and advances providing a reference for breaking down the multidisciplinary borders in the field of bioinspired materials chemistry, especially at the nexus of computation and experiment, and to develop a rigorous materials-by-design paradigm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Wysokowski
- Institute
of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60965 Poznan, Poland
- Laboratory
for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Rachel K. Luu
- Laboratory
for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Sofia Arevalo
- Laboratory
for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Eesha Khare
- Laboratory
for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Witold Stachowiak
- Institute
of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Michał Niemczak
- Institute
of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Teofil Jesionowski
- Institute
of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Laboratory
for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Center
for Computational Science and Engineering, Schwarzman College of Computing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Krings W, Neumann C, Gorb SN, Koehnsen A, Wägele H. Elemental composition and material properties of radular teeth in the heterobranch snail Gastropteron rubrum (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Cephalaspidea) foraging on hard organisms. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10332. [PMID: 37589038 PMCID: PMC10425275 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The molluscan feeding structure is the radula, a chitinous membrane with teeth, which are highly adapted to the food and the substrate to which the food is attached. In Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda, the handling of hard ingesta can be facilitated by high content of chemical compounds containing Fe or Si in the tooth cusps. Other taxa, however, possess teeth that are less mineralized, even though animals have to avoid structural failure or high wear during feeding as well. Here, we investigated the gastropod Gastropteron rubrum, feeding on hard Foraminifera, diatoms and Porifera. Tooth morphologies and wear were documented by scanning electron microscopy and their mechanical properties were tested by nanoindentation. We determined that gradients of hard- and stiffness run along each tooth, decreasing from cusp to basis. We also found that inner lateral teeth were harder and stiffer than the outer ones. These findings allowed us to propose hypotheses about the radula-ingesta interaction. In search for the origins of the gradients, teeth were visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy, to determine the degree of tanning, and analyzed with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, to test the elemental composition. We found that the mechanical gradients did not have their origins in the elemental content, as the teeth did not contain high proportions of metals or other minerals. This indicates that their origin might be the degree of tanning. However, in the tooth surfaces that interact with the ingesta high Si and Ca contents were determined, which is likely an adaptation to reduce wear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencke Krings
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of AnimalsUniversität HamburgHamburgGermany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and PeriodontologyUniversität LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Department of Mammalogy and PalaeoanthropologyLeibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity ChangeHamburgGermany
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological InstituteChristian‐Albrechts‐Universität zu KielKielGermany
| | - Charlotte Neumann
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and PeriodontologyUniversität LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Department of Mammalogy and PalaeoanthropologyLeibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity ChangeHamburgGermany
| | - Stanislav N. Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological InstituteChristian‐Albrechts‐Universität zu KielKielGermany
| | - Alexander Koehnsen
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of AnimalsUniversität HamburgHamburgGermany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and PeriodontologyUniversität LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Heike Wägele
- Department of Phylogenetics and Evolutionary BiologyLeibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity ChangeBonnGermany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Christensen TEK, Chua JQI, Wittig NK, Jørgensen MRV, Kantor I, Thomsen JS, Miserez A, Birkedal H. Flexible design in the stomatopod dactyl club. IUCRJ 2023; 10:288-296. [PMID: 36912686 PMCID: PMC10161772 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252523002075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The stomatopod is a fascinating animal that uses its weaponized appendage dactyl clubs for breaking mollusc shells. Dactyl clubs are a well studied example of biomineralized hierarchical structures. Most research has focused on the regions close to the action, namely the impact region and surface composed of chitin and apatite crystallites. Further away from the site of impact, the club has lower mineralization and more amorphous phases; these areas have not been as actively studied as their highly mineralized counterparts. This work focuses on the side of the club, in what is known as the periodic and striated regions. A combination of laboratory micro-computed tomography, synchrotron X-ray diffraction mapping and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping has shown that the mineral in this region undergoes the transition from an amorphous to a crystalline phase in some, but not all, clubs. This means that this side region can be mineralized by either an amorphous phase, calcite crystallites or a mixture of both. It was found that when larger calcite crystallites form, they are organized (textured) with respect to the chitin present in this biocomposite. This suggests that chitin may serve as a template for crystallization when the side of the club is fully mineralized. Further, calcite crystallites were found to form as early as 1 week after moulting of the club. This suggests that the side of the club is designed with a significant safety margin that allows for a variety of phases, i.e. the club can function independently of whether the side region has a crystalline or amorphous mineral phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thorbjørn Erik Køppen Christensen
- Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT), Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, 14 Gustav Wieds Vej, Aarhus C. 8000, Denmark
| | - Jia Qing Isaiah Chua
- Biological and Biomimetic Materials Laboratory, Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Nina Kølln Wittig
- Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT), Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, 14 Gustav Wieds Vej, Aarhus C. 8000, Denmark
| | - Mads Ry Vogel Jørgensen
- Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT), Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, 14 Gustav Wieds Vej, Aarhus C. 8000, Denmark
| | | | - Jesper Skovhus Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, Aarhus C. 8000, Denmark
| | - Ali Miserez
- Biological and Biomimetic Materials Laboratory, Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Henrik Birkedal
- Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT), Department of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University, 14 Gustav Wieds Vej, Aarhus C. 8000, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Krings W, Wägele H, Neumann C, Gorb SN. Coping with abrasive food: diverging composition of radular teeth in two Porifera-consuming nudibranch species (Mollusca, Gastropoda). J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20220927. [PMID: 37221862 PMCID: PMC10206459 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Molluscs forage with their radula, a chitinous membrane with teeth. Adaptations to hard or abrasive ingesta were well studied in Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda, but for other taxa there are large gaps in knowledge. Here, we investigated the nudibranch gastropods Felimare picta and Doris pseudoargus, both of which feed on Porifera. Tooth morphologies were documented by scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical properties were tested by nanoindentation. We found that these parameters are rather similar in both species, indicating that teeth are similar in their function. To study the composition, teeth were visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), to determine the degree of tanning, and analysed with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, to test the elemental composition. The emitted autofluorescence signal and the inorganic content differed between the species. This was especially prominent when studying the inner and outer tooth surfaces (leading and trailing edges). In F. picta, we detected high proportions of Si, whereas teeth of D. pseudoargus contained high amounts of Ca, which influenced the autofluorescence signal in CLSM. Employing nanoindentation, we determined high Young's modulus and hardness values for the leading edges of teeth, which relate to the Si and Ca content. This highlights that teeth with a similar morphology and mechanical properties can be mechanically enhanced via different chemical pathways in Nudibranchia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencke Krings
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstraße 12, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Heike Wägele
- Department of Phylogenetics and Evolutionary Biology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Charlotte Neumann
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stanislav N. Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Besnard C, Marie A, Sasidharan S, Harper RA, Shelton RM, Landini G, Korsunsky AM. Synchrotron X-ray Studies of the Structural and Functional Hierarchies in Mineralised Human Dental Enamel: A State-of-the-Art Review. Dent J (Basel) 2023; 11:98. [PMID: 37185477 PMCID: PMC10137518 DOI: 10.3390/dj11040098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hard dental tissues possess a complex hierarchical structure that is particularly evident in enamel, the most mineralised substance in the human body. Its complex and interlinked organisation at the Ångstrom (crystal lattice), nano-, micro-, and macro-scales is the result of evolutionary optimisation for mechanical and functional performance: hardness and stiffness, fracture toughness, thermal, and chemical resistance. Understanding the physical-chemical-structural relationships at each scale requires the application of appropriately sensitive and resolving probes. Synchrotron X-ray techniques offer the possibility to progress significantly beyond the capabilities of conventional laboratory instruments, i.e., X-ray diffractometers, and electron and atomic force microscopes. The last few decades have witnessed the accumulation of results obtained from X-ray scattering (diffraction), spectroscopy (including polarisation analysis), and imaging (including ptychography and tomography). The current article presents a multi-disciplinary review of nearly 40 years of discoveries and advancements, primarily pertaining to the study of enamel and its demineralisation (caries), but also linked to the investigations of other mineralised tissues such as dentine, bone, etc. The modelling approaches informed by these observations are also overviewed. The strategic aim of the present review was to identify and evaluate prospective avenues for analysing dental tissues and developing treatments and prophylaxis for improved dental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Besnard
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Ali Marie
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sisini Sasidharan
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Robert A. Harper
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, 5 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7EG, West Midlands, UK
| | - Richard M. Shelton
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, 5 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7EG, West Midlands, UK
| | - Gabriel Landini
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, 5 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7EG, West Midlands, UK
| | - Alexander M. Korsunsky
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shannon DP, Moon JD, Barney CW, Sinha NJ, Yang KC, Jones SD, Garcia RV, Helgeson ME, Segalman RA, Valentine MT, Hawker CJ. Modular Synthesis and Patterning of High-Stiffness Networks by Postpolymerization Functionalization with Iron–Catechol Complexes. Macromolecules 2023; 56:2268-2276. [PMID: 37013083 PMCID: PMC10064740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Bioinspired iron-catechol cross-links have shown remarkable success in increasing the mechanical properties of polymer networks, in part due to clustering of Fe3+-catechol domains which act as secondary network reinforcing sites. We report a versatile synthetic procedure to prepare modular PEG-acrylate networks with independently tunable covalent bis(acrylate) and supramolecular Fe3+-catechol cross-linking. Initial control of network structure is achieved through radical polymerization and cross-linking, followed by postpolymerization incorporation of catechol units via quantitative active ester chemistry and subsequent complexation with iron salts. By tuning the ratio of each building block, dual cross-linked networks reinforced by clustered iron-catechol domains are prepared and exhibit a wide range of properties (Young's moduli up to ∼245 MPa), well beyond the values achieved through purely covalent cross-linking. This stepwise approach to mixed covalent and metal-ligand cross-linked networks also permits local patterning of PEG-based films through masking techniques forming distinct hard, soft, and gradient regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Declan P. Shannon
- Materials Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5050, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Joshua D. Moon
- Materials Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5050, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United States
| | - Christopher W. Barney
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5070, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Nairiti J. Sinha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Kai-Chieh Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United States
| | - Seamus D. Jones
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United States
| | - Ronnie V. Garcia
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - Matthew E. Helgeson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Rachel A. Segalman
- Materials Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5050, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Megan T. Valentine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5070, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Craig J. Hawker
- Materials Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5050, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The ontogeny of elements: distinct ontogenetic patterns in the radular tooth mineralization of gastropods. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2022; 109:58. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-022-01829-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The molluscan phylum is characterized by the radula, used for the gathering and processing of food. This structure can consist of a chitinous membrane with embedded rows of teeth, which show structural, chemical, and biomechanical adaptations to the preferred ingesta. With regard to the chemical composition of teeth, some taxa (Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda) were extensively studied, and high proportions of incorporated iron, calcium, and silicon were previously reported. However, outside these two groups, there is an immense lack of knowledge about the elemental composition of radular teeth. The here presented work aims at shedding some light on the radular composition by performing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) on six non-patelliform gastropod species (Anentome helena, Cornu aspersum, Lavigeria nassa, Littorina littorea, Reymondia horei, and Vittina turrita), with the focus on the ontogeny of the elemental composition. Proportions of elements, which are not part of chitin and other purely organic molecules, were documented for overall 1027 individual teeth of all ontogenetic radular stages, i.e., for the building zone, the maturation zone, and the working zone. We detected that the proportions of these elements increased from the building to the maturation zone. However, from the maturation to the working zone, two general trends are visible: either the proportions of the elements increased or decreased. The latter trend could potentially be explained by the acidic pH of the gastropod saliva, which awaits further investigations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu C, Sun D, Chen Y, Wang C, Li J, Lin J. Mineralize It or Not: Comparative Proteomics and Elemental Analysis Reveal Ancestral Compositions of Iron Mineralized Molluscan Radulae. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:2736-2742. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Liu
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Xikang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| | - Dawei Sun
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Xikang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| | - Yuhui Chen
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Xikang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| | - Can Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Xikang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| | - Jinglin Li
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Xikang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| | - Jiwen Lin
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Xikang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Krings W, Brütt JO, Gorb SN. Micro-cracks and micro-fractures reveal radular tooth architecture and its functional significance in the paludomid gastropod Lavigeria grandis. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2022; 380:20210335. [PMID: 35909353 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2021.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Most molluscan taxa forage with their radula, a chitinous membrane with embedded teeth. The teeth are the actual interfaces between the animal and its ingesta and serve as load-transmitting regions. During foraging, these structures have to withstand high stresses without structural failure and without a high degree of wear. Mechanisms contributing to this failure- and wear-resistance were well studied in the heavily mineralized teeth of Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda, but for the rather chitinous teeth of non-limpet snails, we are confronted with a large gap in data. The work presented here on the paludomid gastropod Lavigeria grandis aims to shed some light on radular tooth composition and its contribution to failure- and wear-prevention in this type of radula. The teeth were fractured and the micro-cracks studied in detail by scanning electron microscopy, revealing layers within the teeth. Two layers of distinct fibre densities and orientations were detected, covered by a thin layer containing high proportions of calcium and silicon, as determined by elemental dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Our results clearly demonstrate the presence of failure- and wear-prevention mechanisms in snail radulae without the involvement of heavy mineralization-rendering this an example of a highly functional biological lightweight structure. This article is part of the theme issue 'Nanocracks in nature and industry'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencke Krings
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Ole Brütt
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Batzel GO, Moreno BK, Lopez LS, Nguyen CK, Livingston BT, Joester D, Lyons DC. Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses in the Slipper Snail Crepidula
fornicata Uncover Shell Matrix Genes Expressed During Adult and Larval Biomineralization. Integr Org Biol 2022; 4:obac023. [PMID: 35968217 PMCID: PMC9365450 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastropod shell is a composite composed of minerals and shell matrix proteins (SMPs). SMPs have been identified by proteomics in many molluscs, but few have been studied in detail. Open questions include (1) what gene regulatory networks regulate SMP expression, (2) what roles individual SMPs play in biomineralization, and (3) how the complement of SMPs changes over development. These questions are best addressed in a species in which gene perturbation studies are available; one such species is the slipper snail, Crepidula fornicata. Here, SEM and pXRD analysis demonstrated that the adult shell of C. fornicata exhibits crossed lamellar microstructure and is composed of aragonite. Using high-throughput proteomics we identified 185 SMPs occluded within the adult shell. Over half of the proteins in the shell proteome have known biomineralization domains, while at least 10% have no homologs in public databases. Differential gene expression analysis identified 20 SMP genes that are up-regulated in the shell-producing mantle tissue. Over half of these 20 SMPs are expressed during development with two, CfSMP1 and CfSMP2, expressed exclusively in the shell gland. Together, the description of the shell microstructure and a list of SMPs now sets the stage for studying the consequences of SMP gene knockdowns in molluscs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G O Batzel
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography , UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - B K Moreno
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University , Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - L S Lopez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University , Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
| | - C K Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University , Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
| | - B T Livingston
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University , Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
| | - D Joester
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University , Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - D C Lyons
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography , UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Exceptional properties of hyper-resistant armor of a hydrothermal vent crab. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11816. [PMID: 35821397 PMCID: PMC9276715 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15982-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals living in extreme environments, such as hydrothermal vents, would be expected to have evolved protective shells or exoskeletons to maintain homeostasis. The outer part of the exoskeleton of vent crabs (Austinograea sp.) in the Indian Ocean hydrothermal vent was one of the hardest (approximately 7 GPa) biological materials ever reported. To explore the exoskeletal characteristics of vent crabs which enable them to adapt to severe environments, a comparative analysis was conducted with the Asian paddle crab (Charybdis japonica) living in coastal areas. Nanoindentation, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and Raman spectroscopy were used to analyze the mechanical properties, thermal stability, structure, surface components, and the composition of compounds, respectively. Though both species have four-layered exoskeletons, the outermost layer of the vent crab, a nano-granular structure, was much thicker than that of the coastal crab. The proportions of aluminum and sulfur that constitute the epicuticle of the exoskeleton were higher in the vent crab than in the coastal crab. There was a lack of water or volatile substances, lots of CaCO3, and no carotenoid-based compounds in the exoskeleton of the vent crab. These might have improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the hydrothermal species.
Collapse
|
13
|
Rumney RMH, Robson SC, Kao AP, Barbu E, Bozycki L, Smith JR, Cragg SM, Couceiro F, Parwani R, Tozzi G, Stuer M, Barber AH, Ford AT, Górecki DC. Biomimetic generation of the strongest known biomaterial found in limpet tooth. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3753. [PMID: 35798724 PMCID: PMC9263180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomaterial with the highest known tensile strength is a unique composite of chitin and goethite (α-FeO(OH)) present in teeth from the Common Limpet (Patella vulgata). A biomimetic based on limpet tooth, with corresponding high-performance mechanical properties is highly desirable. Here we report on the replication of limpet tooth developmental processes ex vivo, where isolated limpet tissue and cells in culture generate new biomimetic structures. Transcriptomic analysis of each developmental stage of the radula, the organ from which limpet teeth originate, identifies sequential changes in expression of genes related to chitin and iron processing. We quantify iron and chitin metabolic processes in the radula and grow isolated radula cells in vitro. Bioinspired material can be developed with electrospun chitin mineralised by conditioned media from cultured radula cells. Our results inform molecular processes behind the generation of limpet tooth and establish a platform for development of a novel biomimetic with comparable properties. The highest tensile strength biomaterial known exists in limpet teeth and replicating this material is of interest. Here, the authors report on the ex vivo growth of teeth and use of isolated limpet tissue and cells providing foundations for the development of this high-tensile biomaterial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin M H Rumney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Samuel C Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.,Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Alexander P Kao
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Eugen Barbu
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Lukasz Bozycki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.,Laboratory of Biochemistry of Lipids, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - James R Smith
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, UK
| | - Fay Couceiro
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Portsmouth, Portland Building, Portland St, Portsmouth, PO3 1AH, UK
| | - Rachna Parwani
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK.,Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Pleasanton, CA, USA
| | - Gianluca Tozzi
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Michael Stuer
- EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Asa H Barber
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK.,School of Engineering, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London, SE10AA, UK
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, UK
| | - Dariusz C Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Krings W, Brütt JO, Gorb SN. Ontogeny of the elemental composition and the biomechanics of radular teeth in the chiton Lepidochitona cinerea. Front Zool 2022; 19:19. [PMID: 35690761 PMCID: PMC9188181 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-022-00465-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The radula, a chitinous membrane with embedded teeth, is one important molluscan autapomorphy. In some taxa (Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda) one tooth type (the dominant lateral tooth) was studied intensively in the last decades with regard to its mechanical properties, chemical and structural composition, and the relationship between these parameters. As the dominant lateral tooth is probably one of the best studied biological materials, it is surprising, that data on elements and mechanical properties of the other tooth types, present on a chiton radula, is lacking. RESULTS We provide data on the elemental distribution and mechanical properties (hardness and elasticity, i.e. Young's modulus) of all teeth from the Polyplacophora Lepidochitona cinerea (Linnaeus, 1767) [Chitonidae: Ischnochitonidae]. The ontogeny of elements, studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and of the mechanical properties, determined by nanoindentation, was analysed in every individual tooth type. Additionally, we performed breaking stress experiments with teeth under dry and wet condition, highlighting the high influence of the water content on the mechanical behaviour of the radula. We thereby could determine the forces and stresses, teeth can resist, which were previously not studied in representatives of Polyplacophora. Overall, we were able to relate the mineral (iron, calcium) content with the mechanical parameters (hardness and Young's modulus) and the breaking force and stress in every tooth type. This led to a better understanding of the relationship between structure, material, and function in radular teeth. Further, we aimed at determining the role of calcium for the mechanical behaviour of the teeth: we decalcified radulae by ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid and performed afterwards elemental analyses, breaking stress experiments, and nanoindentation. Among other things, we detected that wet and decalcified radular teeth could resist highest forces, since teeth have a higher range of bending motion leading to a higher capability of teeth to gain mechanical support from the adjacent tooth row. This indicates, that the tooth material is the result of a compromise between failure reduction and the ability to transfer forces onto the ingesta. CONCLUSION We present novel data on the elemental composition, mechanical properties, and the mechanical behaviour of chiton teeth, which allows conclusions about tooth function. We could also relate the parameters mentioned, which contributes to our understanding on the origins of mechanical property gradients and the processes reducing structural failure in radular teeth. Additionally, we add more evidence, that the elemental composition of radular is probably species-specific and could be used as taxonomic character.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencke Krings
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany. .,Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany. .,Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Jan-Ole Brütt
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Krings W, Brütt JO, Gorb SN. Elemental analyses reveal distinct mineralization patterns in radular teeth of various molluscan taxa. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7499. [PMID: 35525838 PMCID: PMC9079087 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11026-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The molluscan phylum is the second specious animal group with its taxa feeding on a variety of food sources. This is enabled by the radula, a chitinous membrane with embedded teeth, one important autapomorphy. Between species, radulae can vary in their morphology, mechanical, and chemical properties. With regard to chemical composition, some taxa (Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda) were studied extensively in the past decades, due to their specificity to incorporate high proportions of iron, calcium, and silicon. There is, however, a huge lack of knowledge about radular composition in other taxa. The work presented aims at shedding light on the chemistry by performing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses on 24 molluscan species, thereof two Polyplacophora, two Cephalopoda, and 20 Gastropoda, which was never done before in such a comprehensiveness. The elements and their proportions were documented for 1448 individual, mature teeth and hypotheses about potential biomineralization types were proposed. The presented work additionally comprises a detailed record on past studies about the chemical composition of molluscan teeth, which is an important basis for further investigation of the radular chemistry. The found disparity in elements detected, in their distribution and proportions highlights the diversity of evolutionary solutions, as it depicts multiple biomineralization types present within Mollusca.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencke Krings
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Jan-Ole Brütt
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Palaeoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Finite element analysis relating shape, material properties, and dimensions of taenioglossan radular teeth with trophic specialisations in Paludomidae (Gastropoda). Sci Rep 2021; 11:22775. [PMID: 34815469 PMCID: PMC8611077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The radula, a chitinous membrane with embedded tooth rows, is the molluscan autapomorphy for feeding. The morphologies, arrangements and mechanical properties of teeth can vary between taxa, which is usually interpreted as adaptation to food. In previous studies, we proposed about trophic and other functional specialisations in taenioglossan radulae from species of African paludomid gastropods. These were based on the analysis of shape, material properties, force-resistance, and the mechanical behaviour of teeth, when interacting with an obstacle. The latter was previously simulated for one species (Spekia zonata) by the finite-element-analysis (FEA) and, for more species, observed in experiments. In the here presented work we test the previous hypotheses by applying the FEA on 3D modelled radulae, with incorporated material properties, from three additional paludomid species. These species forage either on algae attached to rocks (Lavigeria grandis), covering sand (Cleopatra johnstoni), or attached to plant surface and covering sand (Bridouxia grandidieriana). Since the analysed radulae vary greatly in their general size (e.g. width) and size of teeth between species, we additionally aimed at relating the simulated stress and strain distributions with the tooth sizes by altering the force/volume. For this purpose, we also included S. zonata again in the present study. Our FEA results show that smaller radulae are more affected by stress and strain than larger ones, when each tooth is loaded with the same force. However, the results are not fully in congruence with results from the previous breaking stress experiments, indicating that besides the parameter size, more mechanisms leading to reduced stress/strain must be present in radulae.
Collapse
|