Mapping granular structure in the biological adhesive of Phragmatopoma californica using phase diverse coherent diffractive imaging

Ultramicroscopy. 2011 Jul;111(8):1184-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.03.022. Epub 2011 Apr 9.

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the application of the high sensitivity, low radiation dose imaging method recently presented as phase diverse coherent diffraction imaging, to the study of biological and other weakly scattering samples. The method is applied, using X-ray illumination, to quantitative imaging of the granular precursors of underwater adhesive produced by the marine sandcastle worm, Phragmatopoma californica. We are able to observe the internal structure of the adhesive precursors in a number of states.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adhesives / chemistry*
  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Microscopy / methods
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polychaeta / chemistry*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • X-Ray Diffraction / methods
  • X-Ray Diffraction / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Adhesives
  • Proteins