Evidence for helical microstructure of aragonite fibers in pteropod shells

Editorial Material Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Wavy or curly?

Pupa U. P. A. Gilbert

MRS BULLETIN (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

The shell microstructure of the pteropod Creseis acicula is composed of nested arrays of S-shaped aragonite fibers: A unique biological material

Odelia Sibony-Nevo et al.

Summary: Pteropods, also known as snails of the superfamily Cavolinioidea, are abundant in the surface waters of all oceans. This study used focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy to reveal the unique nested S-shaped aragonite crystal fiber structure of their shells, challenging previous beliefs about the helical nature of their shell microstructure. This discovery not only addresses fundamental questions about mollusk shell structures, but also opens up possibilities for inspiration in materials science.

MRS BULLETIN (2022)

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Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Evolution and biomineralization of pteropod shells

Paula Ramos-Silva et al.

Summary: Shelled pteropods, also known as sea butterflies, are small gastropods that spend their entire lives swimming and drifting in the open ocean. Their shells, made of aragonite, have been shown to be valuable bioindicators for monitoring ocean acidification. Recent studies have highlighted the diverse shell microstructures of pteropods, with curved nanofibers believed to provide strength and flexibility for their planktonic lifestyle. Additionally, the candidate biomineralization genes responsible for the shell diversity in pteropods have been elucidated.

JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences