Mechanical Characterization of Cellulosic Thecal Plates in Dinoflagellates by Nanoindentation
Dinoflagellates constitute an important group of microorganisms. Symbiotic dinoflagellates are responsible for the primary production of coral reef ecosystems and the phenomenon of their demise is known as "coral bleaching." Blooming of the planktonic dinoflagellates is the major cause
of "red tides." Many dinoflagellates have prominent membrane-bound thecal plates at their cell cortices. These thecal plates have high cellulose content and are biologically fabricated into various shapes. However, the mechanical properties of theca have not previously been characterized;
understanding these properties, including hardness and elastic modulus, will give insights into the ecological significance and biotechnological potential of bio-fabricated structures. A series of nanoindentation tests were performed on various locations of cellulosic thecal plates isolated
from the dinoflagellates Alexandrium catenella and Lingulodinium polyedrum.2 Despite having transparent properties, thecal plates possess mechanical properties comparable to softwood cell walls, implicating their role as a protective cell covering. Consistent measurements were
obtained when indentation was performed at various locations, which contrasts with the high variability of cellulose microfibers from plant sources. The present study demonstrated the novel properties of this potential new source of cellulose.
Keywords: CELL WALL; CELLULOSE; DINOFLAGELLATES; MECHANICAL PROPERTY; NANOIDENTATION; THECAL PLATES
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 February 2007
- Journal for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JNN) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal with a wide-ranging coverage, consolidating research activities in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology into a single and unique reference source. JNN is the first cross-disciplinary journal to publish original full research articles, rapid communications of important new scientific and technological findings, timely state-of-the-art reviews with author's photo and short biography, and current research news encompassing the fundamental and applied research in all disciplines of science, engineering and medicine.
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