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Three-dimensional distribution of polymorphs and magnesium in a calcified underwater attachment system by diffraction tomography

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  • H. Leemreize, Denmark
  • Jonathan D. Almer, X-ray Science Division, United States
  • Stuart R. Stock, Northwestern University, United States
  • H. Birkedal
Biological materials display complicated three-dimensional hierarchical structures. Determining these structures is essential in understanding the link between material design and properties. Herein, we show how diffraction tomography can be used to determine the relative placement of the calcium carbonate polymorphs calcite and aragonite in the highly mineralized holdfast system of the bivalve Anomia simplex. In addition to high fidelity and non-destructive mapping of polymorphs, we use detailed analysis of X-ray diffraction peak positions in reconstructed powder diffraction data to determine the local degree of Mg substitution in the calcite phase. These data show how diffraction tomography can provide detailed multi-length scale information on complex materials in general and of biomineralized tissues in particular.
Original languageEnglish
Article number20130319
JournalJournal of the Royal Society. Interface
Volume10
Issue86
Number of pages8
ISSN1742-5689
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

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