Abstract
Like most terrestrial isopods, Porcellio scaber stores cuticular calcium in sternal deposits before moulting. The deposits consist of spherules that are formed within a confined ecdysial space containing a fluid of known cationic composition. The spherules are composed of granular particles containing mainly amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), little amorphous calcium phosphate, and an organic matrix. We precipitated calcium carbonate using near physiological, but phosphate-free salines and matrix proteins extracted from native deposits, and analyzed structure, mineral phase, and composition of the precipitates. Within the test solutions, the total soluble fraction leads to precipitation of ACC granules. Agglomerations of ACC granules and the dried soluble fraction of the organic matrix are virtually devoid of organic phosphates. The agglomerations mimic several aspects in the architecture of native sternal deposits and were stable for at least one month. The saline alone has no effect on the crystal phase but leads to changes in calcite crystal morphology due to the effects of magnesium. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) that was used as a control protein apparently has no effect on the mineral phase but in the presence of Mg2+ has severe effects on the surface structure of calcite crystals, suggesting a combined effect of BSA and Mg2+ on crystal growth.
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