Nano-architecture and mineralization of the amorphous CaCO3 deposits during the moult cycle of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber (Crustacea)

H. Fabritius, A. Ziegler (Universität Ulm)

This project was focused on the ultrastructural aspects of the formation, degradation and biomineralization of the transient CaCO3 deposits during the molt cycle of Porcellio scaber, the chemical characterization of the mineral phase (cooperation Prof. M. Epple, Universität Duisburg-Essen), and the analysis of the structural organization of the organic matrix within the deposits. Further points were the isolation and characterization of ACC-stabilizing matrix proteins from the CaCO3 deposits. Current activities include the determination of the influence of these proteins on the crystallization of CaCO3 using in vitro precipitation experiments.

Fig. 1. a) Schematic depiction of the molt cycle of P. scaber. b, c) ACC spherules of the sternal CaCO3 deposits with their b) filamentous protein matrix and c) during natural degradation.
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