Dresden 2009 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 2: Biopolymers and Biomaterials (joint session BP/CPP)
BP 2.9: Talk
Monday, March 23, 2009, 13:00–13:15, ZEU 260
Leg joints of the lobster H. americanus: An example of cuticle modification for specific functions — •Helge Fabritius1, Torsten Fischer1, Sabine Hild1,2, and Dierk Raabe1 — 1Max-Planck-Institut fuer Eisenforschung, Duesseldorf , Germany — 2Institut fuer Polymerwissenschaften; JUK Linz, Austria
The exoskeleton of crustaceans is a structural entity which has to be replaced frequently by the organisms in order to grow. Its various morphologically distinct parts have to fulfill a multitude of different functions like providing mechanical stability to the body, acting as a barrier to the environment, enable movement through the formation of joints and bearing both external loads as well as internal loads caused by attached muscles. To adjust the mechanical properties to the required task, the animals vary the basic cuticle structure through modifications in microstructure like number and thickness of the chitin-protein fibre layers and the amount of incorporated biomaterials as well as the use of different proteins with distinct properties. This study focuses on articulations in the limps of H. americanus, where elaborate joint structures between segments provide mobility to enable locomotion. Joint structures require different mechanical properties than simple load bearing cuticle parts or the soft arthrodial membranes. We chose hinge and pivot joints in the claws to investigate their microstructure, composition and mechanical properties using electron microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, Raman spectroscopy and SFM. The results are compared to previous studies conducted on mineralized cuticle and arthrodial membranes of H. americanus.