In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of iron and calcium biomaterials in marine chiton teeth. The future of biomaterial science in Australia depends upon the discovery and refinement of new materials. This project characterizes the biomaterials in the feeding apparatus of Australian marine chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Like many biological structures, chiton teeth are sophisticated composite materials that have been refined by evolution over millions of years. Initially composed of the poly ....In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of iron and calcium biomaterials in marine chiton teeth. The future of biomaterial science in Australia depends upon the discovery and refinement of new materials. This project characterizes the biomaterials in the feeding apparatus of Australian marine chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Like many biological structures, chiton teeth are sophisticated composite materials that have been refined by evolution over millions of years. Initially composed of the polysaccharide chitin, these extremely hard teeth are mineralized with calcium and iron compounds and used to excavate the rocks on which they live, as they graze for food. Understanding the mechanism of biomineralization is vital for devising synthetic routes to composite materials for industrial purposes.Read moreRead less
Cellular control mechanisms of matrix mineralization in the teeth of marine molluscs. These studies are significant as a foundation for the country's current focus on advanced materials and nanotechnology. The production of new materials is critically dependant upon understanding the crystallochemical control organisms, such as chitons and limpets, have over the precipitation of simple compounds, such as the calcium and iron oxides, phosphates and silica, often formed as nanoscale deposits. This ....Cellular control mechanisms of matrix mineralization in the teeth of marine molluscs. These studies are significant as a foundation for the country's current focus on advanced materials and nanotechnology. The production of new materials is critically dependant upon understanding the crystallochemical control organisms, such as chitons and limpets, have over the precipitation of simple compounds, such as the calcium and iron oxides, phosphates and silica, often formed as nanoscale deposits. This study constitutes a systematic in situ exploration of the biomineralization processes that form these composite microstructures and as such will provide a new source of inspiration to the production of new biomaterials.Read moreRead less