Synchrotron-based small-angle x-ray scattering from biogenic materials

Abstract

We examine the small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) from samples of biogenic nature to study soft-matter and the associated biology. Biogenic samples are prepared from soft tissues. SAXS from different tissues varies according to both genetic (species) and environmental (habitant differences) factors. SAXS spectra (intensity versus energy (MeV)) at different Q momentum transfer values provide the crucial tool for determining the structure and enhancement of the desired property, e.g. biological activity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the presence of specific chemical groups in the materials. These methods are valuable to identify various phases of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). FTIR spectra were obtained in the range of wavenumbers from 4000 to 400 cm−1 for the external shell, soft tissue and operculum at room temperature. Finding information about the biological structures from these low-absorbing materials is one of the most important goals in the field of biological and environmental sciences and to know the mechanisms involved in bio-mineralization. These results will be utilized for the development of bio-systems.