Abstract Complex hierarchical structure governs emergent properties in biopolymeric materials; yet, the material processing involved remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated multi-scale and composition of mussel byssus cuticle before, during after formation to gain insight into this hard, yet extensible metal cross-linked protein composite. Our findings reveal that granular substructure crucial cuticle’s function as a wear-resistant coating an polymer fiber is pre-organized condensed...

The degree to which biological control is exercised compared physical of the organization biogenic materials a central theme in biomineralization. We show that outlines calcite domains with organic membranes are always simple geometries, while without they much more complex. Moreover, mineral prisms enclosed within frequently polycrystalline. In prismatic layer mollusc shell, display dynamics accordance von Neumann-Mullins and Lewis Laws for two-dimensional foam, emulsion grain growth. Taken...

The spatial-temporal relationship between cells, extracellular matrices, and mineral deposits is fundamental for an improved understanding of mineralization mechanisms in vertebrate tissues. By utilizing focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy with serial surface imaging, normally mineralizing avian tendons have been studied nanometer resolution three dimensions volumes exceeding tens micrometers range. These parameters are necessary to yield sufficiently fine ultrastructural details...

Abstract The formation of the hard tissues that provide support and mobility to organisms is achieved through interplay inorganic crystals an organic framework composed collagen a small percentage non‐collagenous proteins. Despite their clinical relevance, mechanisms governing mineralization extracellular matrix are still poorly understood. By using 3D electron tomography high‐resolution microscopy imaging spectroscopy, it has been demonstrated proceeds spherulitic‐like crystal growth...

Currently a basic tenet in biomineralization is that biominerals grow by accretion of amorphous particles, which are later transformed into the corresponding mineral phase. The globular nanostructure most taken as evidence this. Nevertheless, little known to how amorphous-to-crystalline transformation takes place. To gain insight this process, we have made high-resolution study (by means transmission electron microscopy and other associated techniques) immature tablets nacre gastropod...

Phosphate ions are commonly found in amorphous biominerals and play critical roles controlling the stability crystallization pathways of calcium carbonate (ACC). However, role phosphate during transformation process ACC remains elusive. Here, we show that while onset solution could not be effectively delayed by addition up to 5% (molar fraction initial solution), interestingly, can significantly prolonged. This is ascribed formation a more stable phosphate-enriched phase inhibition vaterite...

Abstract Cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryoCLEM) is a powerful strategy to high resolution imaging in the unperturbed hydrated state. In this approach fluorescence aids localizing area of interest, cryogenic focused ion beam/scanning (cryoFIB/SEM) allows preparation thin cryo-lamellae for cryoET. However, current method cannot be accurately applied on bulky (3D) samples such as tissues organoids. 3D cryo-correlative large volumes needed close gap between cryo-light cryoET,...

Abstract Osteons, the main organizational components of human compact bone, are cylindrical structures composed layers mineralized collagen fibrils, called lamellae. These lamellae have different orientations, degrees organization, and mineralization where intrafibrillar extrafibrillar minerals intergrown into one continuous network oriented crystals. While cellular activity is clearly source organic matrix, recent in vitro studies call question whether cells also involved matrix suggest...

Abstract Fetuin-A is an abundant serum glycoprotein that prevents ectopic calcification. It has a high binding capacity for calcium phosphate and forms calciprotein monomers (CPM) particles (CPP) upon binding. While it also non-collagenous protein in bone, it’s role bone matrix mineralization remains unclear. Using DLS liquid-phase TEM, we identified two-phase assembly process of primary CPPs, which small transient (tCPPs) are formed initially, after larger, stable CPPs form. cell-free...

Aortic valve stenosis (AS), the leading valvular disease in aging populations, is driven by complex extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications and progressive calcification. Despite its clinical significance, molecular mechanisms underlying AS remain poorly understood, limiting therapeutic options to invasive replacement. This study employs Raman microscopy, a label-free imaging technique, integration with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) elucidate biochemical ultrastructural changes...

One of the most important defensive host traits against brood parasitism is detection and ejection parasitic eggs from their nests. Here, we explore possible role olfaction in this behaviour. We performed egg-recognition tests magpie Pica pica nests with model resembling those great spotted cuckoos Clamator glandarius. In one experiment, experimental were exposed to strong or moderate smell tobacco smoke, whereas a third group (control) cleaned disinfecting wipes kept boxes containing...

Abstract The Cavolinioidea are planktonic gastropods which construct their shells with the so-called aragonitic helical fibrous microstructure, consisting of a highly ordered arrangement helically coiled interlocking continuous crystalline aragonite fibres. Our study reveals that, despite high and degree between fibres, every fibre has differentiated organic-rich thin external band, is never invaded by neighbouring In this way, fibres avoid extinction. These intra-fibre bands appear on...

Gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) have been widely studied for a plethora of biomedical applications, but their formation mechanism remains poorly understood, which precludes precise control over physicochemical properties. This leads to time-consuming parameter adjustments without fundamental grasp the underlying mechanism. Here, we analyze and visualize in time-resolved manner by GNPs are formed during desolvation gelatin as function molecular weight type desolvating agent. Through various...

Abstract Liquid phase electron microscopy (LP‐EM) has emerged as a powerful technique for in situ observation of material formation liquid. Especially the use graphene window provides new opportunities to image biological processes because graphene's molecular thickness and scavenger capabilities. However, most cases process interest is initiated when liquid cells (GLCs) are sealed, meaning that cannot be imaged at early timepoints. Here, novel cryogenic/liquid correlative light/electron...

Numerous mussel species produce byssal threads - tough proteinaceous fibers, which anchor mussels in aquatic habitats. Byssal from Mytilus species, are comprised of modified collagen proteins have become a veritable archetype for bio-inspired polymers due to their self-healing properties. However, different comparatively much less understood. In particular, the byssus Pinna nobilis comprises thousands fine fibers utilized by humans millennia fashion lightweight golden fabrics known as sea...

Rio Tinto in southern Spain has become of increasing astrobiological significance, particular for its similarity to environments on early Mars. We present evidence tubular structures from sampled terraces the stream bed at source river, as well ancient, now dry, terraces. This is first reported finding this environment. propose that some these could be formed through self-assembly via an abiotic mechanism involving templated precipitation around a fluid jet, similar commonly found so-called...

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, magnetite/maghemite, have been identified in human tissues, including the brain, meninges, heart, liver, and spleen. As these nanoparticles may play a role pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, pilot study explored occurrence particles cervical (neck) skin 10 patients with Parkinson's disease healthy controls. Magnetometry transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed magnetite/maghemite samples every participant. Regarding concentrations...

Natural selection penalizes individuals that provide costly parental care to non-relatives. However, feedings brood-parasitic fledglings by other than their foster parents, although anecdotic, have been commonly observed, also in the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) – magpie (Pica pica) system, but this behaviour has never studied depth. In a first experiment, we here show were translocated distant territory managed survive. This implies obtaining food from foreign magpies is...

Polygamous mating is expected to occur in obligate avian brood parasites because the lack of parental care reduces need for a stable reproductive bond. Unlike nesting species, an absence constraints resulting from raising offspring might also favour flexible system that adjusts changing ecological conditions. Information on parasites' systems and their spatio‐temporal variation is, however, still scant. Here we analysed genetic patterns Great Spotted Cuckoos Clamator glandarius two...

Control over particle size, size distribution, and colloidal stability are central aims in producing functional nanomaterials. Recently, biomimetic approaches have been successfully used to enhance control properties the synthesis of those materials. Magnetotactic bacteria produce protein-stabilized magnetite away from its thermodynamic equilibrium structure. Mimicking bacteria's proteins using poly-l-arginine we show that by simply increasing pH, dimensions increase a single- mesocrystal...