Microstructural characterization of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 epiphragms and mucus secretions was performed to address two questions: what are the structure and composition of the reinforcing inorganic phase in the epiphragms, and what enables a durable epiphragm to form quickly in comparison to other biomineralized materials? Characterization was performed by a combination of light microscopy (relying on a variety of contrast modes), wet chemical tests, environmental scanning electron microscopy (including the use of energy dispersive X-ray analysis to obtain compositional data), and X-ray diffraction. The morphology of the inorganic phase promotes mechanical interlocking and presents a large surface for binding to the organic matrix. Strong binding occurs between the organic and inorganic phases. The inorganic phase adopts the calcite structure; its composition is Ca(0.912) Mg(0.088) CO(3). Epiphragms can form quickly because pre-grown crystals of the inorganic reinforcing phase are co-deposited with the mucus matrix. Unlike other biomineralized material, the crystals are not solution-grown in situ on an organic template in the final product.

中文翻译：

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ACHATINA FULICA EPIPHRAGM 的理化显微结构

对 Achatina fulica Bowdich、1822 上膜和粘液分泌物的微观结构表征进行了研究，以解决两个问题：上膜中增强无机相的结构和组成是什么，以及与其他生物矿化材料相比，是什么使耐用的上膜能够快速形成？表征是通过光学显微镜（依赖于各种对比模式）、湿化学测试、环境扫描电子显微镜（包括使用能量色散 X 射线分析获得成分数据）和 X 射线衍射的组合进行的。无机相的形态促进了机械互锁并呈现出用于与有机基质结合的大表面。有机相和无机相之间发生强结合。无机相采用方解石结构；其成分为 Ca(0.912) Mg(0.088) CO(3)。由于无机增强相的预先生长的晶体与粘液基质共同沉积，因此隔膜可以快速形成。与其他生物矿化材料不同，晶体不是在最终产品中的有机模板上原位溶液生长。