First Evidence for the Presence of Weddellite Crystallites in Opuntia ficus indica Parenchyma

2003 ◽  
Vol 58 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 812-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed E. Malainine ◽  
Alain Dufresne ◽  
Danielle Dupeyre ◽  
Michel R. Vignon ◽  
Mostafa Mahrouz

Abstract Calcium oxalate crystallites occur very often in the plants tissues and their role is still poorly known. We report here the experimental protocol leading to the isolation of two forms of calcium oxalate crystallites differing in their hydration level in the parenchymal tissues of Opuntia ficus indica (Miller). Whereas the whewellite crystallites are habitual in all Opuntia species, the weddellite form has never been isolated from these species before, which is probably due to their small size (about 1 μm). We have identified these forms using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Author(s):  
Vicki L. Baliga ◽  
Mary Ellen Counts

Calcium is an important element in the growth and development of plants and one form of calcium is calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate has been found in leaf seed, stem material plant tissue culture, fungi and lichen using one or more of the following methods—polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction.Two methods are presented here for qualitatively estimating calcium oxalate in dried or fixed tobacco (Nicotiana) leaf from different stalk positions using PLM. SEM, coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS), and powder x-ray diffraction were used to verify that the crystals observed in the dried leaf with PLM were calcium oxalate.


1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 850-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy C. Shinners ◽  
Jalpa P. Tewari

Hyphae of many species of bird's nest fungi (Nidulariaceae) were examined for the presence of crystals. Scanning electron microscopy revealed crystals typical of calcium oxalate associated with hyphae. Crystal depositions included complete hyphal encrustation, organized druses, randomly arranged groups, single crystals, and relatively "clean" hyphae. The majority of crystals could be morphologically classified as styloid, raphide, or bipyramidal type. Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalyses confirmed that all crystal types were rich in calcium, and X-ray diffraction identified both the dihydrate (weddellite) and monohydrate (whewellite) forms of calcium oxalate. Morphological variation of crystals was species and medium specific, with generally more crystals being produced on relatively calcium-rich V8 juice agar than on PDA. No association was found between crystal types and geographic and habitat distribution of species. Keywords: wood rotting fungus, decomposition, calcium oxalate.


2003 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Giordani ◽  
Paolo Modenesi ◽  
Mauro Tretiach

AbstractThe factors influencing the predominance of one of the two mineral forms of calcium oxalate (CO), the monohydrated whewellite (COM) and the di-hydrated weddellite (COD), forming the pruina of the upper cortex of lichens, have been investigated through a simple, sensitive histochemical assay: toluidine blue O (TBO), a metachromatic staining test. The differential reactivity of 43 thalli of 17 pruinose foliose species, supplemented by X-ray diffraction analysis and observations with polarizing and scanning electron microscopy, suggests that the histochemical reactivity of hyphal walls and cementing substances of the upper cortex are related to the density of anionic charges. These factors are probably due to the occurrence of polyuronic acid substances that strongly affects the mineralization of CO. Di-hydrated wedellite is always associated with TBO metachromatic reactivity, and COM with orthochromatic reactivity. When the material has an ambiguous ortho/metachromatic reactivity, COD and COM may occur together. This study presents the first experimental evidence that in lichens CO biomineralization is at least partially biologically controlled.


Author(s):  
Howard S. Kaufman ◽  
Keith D. Lillemoe ◽  
John T. Mastovich ◽  
Henry A. Pitt

Gallstones contain precipitated cholesterol, calcium salts, and proteins. Calcium (Ca) bilirubinate, palmitate, phosphate, and carbonate occurring in gallstones have variable morphologies but characteristic windowless energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectra. Previous studies of gallstone microstructure and composition using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX have been limited to dehydrated samples. In this state, Ca bilirubinates appear as either glassy masses, which predominate in black pigment stones, or as clusters, which are found mostly in cholesterol gallstones. The three polymorphs of Ca carbonate, calcite, vaterite, and aragonite, have been identified in gallstones by x-ray diffraction, however; the morphologies of these crystals vary in the literature. The purpose of this experiment was to study fresh gallstones by environmental SEM (ESEM) to determine if dehydration affects gallstone Ca salt morphology.Gallstones and bile were obtained fresh at cholecystectomy from 6 patients. To prevent dehydration, stones were stored in bile at 37°C. All samples were studied within 4 days of procurement.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Budi Setiawan ◽  
Erizal Zaini ◽  
Salman Umar

Sebuah penelitian tentang sistem dispersi padat dari asiklovir dengan poloxamer 188 telah dilakukan formulasi dengan pencampuran secara fisika dengan rasio 1 : 1, 1 : 3, 1 : 5 dan dispersi padat 1 : 1, 1 : 3, 1 : 5 dan penggilingan 1:1 sebagai pembanding. Dispersi padat dibuat menggunakan metode pencairan (fusi), yang digabung dengan poloxamer 188 pada hotplate kemudian asiklovir dimasukkan ke dalam hasil poloxamer 188 lalu di kocok hingga membentuk masa homogen. Semua formula yang terbentuk termasuk asiklovir poloxamer 188 murni dianalisis karakterisasinya dengan Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), dan Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), kemudian pengambilan dilakukan  (penentuan kadar) mengunakan spektrofotometer UV pada panjang gelombang 257,08 nm dan uji laju disolusi dengan aquadest bebas CO2 menggunakan metode dayung. Hasil pengambilan  (penentuan kadar) menunjukkan bahwa semua formula memenuhi persyaratan farmakope Amerika edisi 30 dan farmakope Indonesia edisi 4 yaitu 95-110%. Sedangkan hasil uji laju disolusi untuk campuran fisik 1: 1, dan dispersi padat 1: 1, dan penggilingan 1: 1 menunjukkan peningkatan yang nyata dibandingkan asiklovir murni. Hal ini juga dapat dilihat dari hasil perhitungan statistik  menggunakan analisis varian satu arah  SPSS 17.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 495-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan A. Almarshad ◽  
Sayed M. Badawy ◽  
Abdalkarem F. Alsharari

Aim and Objective: Formation of the gallbladder stones is a common disease and a major health problem. The present study aimed to identify the structures of the most common types of gallbladder stones using X-ray spectroscopic techniques, which provide information about the process of stone formation. Material and Method: Phase and elemental compositions of pure cholesterol and mixed gallstones removed from gallbladders of patients were studied using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction. Results: The crystal structures of gallstones which coincide with standard patterns were confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Plate-like cholesterol crystals with laminar shaped and thin layered structures were clearly observed for gallstone of pure cholesterol by scanning electron microscopy; it also revealed different morphologies from mixed cholesterol stones. Elemental analysis of pure cholesterol and mixed gallstones using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the different formation processes of the different types of gallstones. Conclusion: The method of fast and reliable X-ray spectroscopic techniques has numerous advantages over the traditional chemical analysis and other analytical techniques. The results also revealed that the X-ray spectroscopy technique is a promising technique that can aid in understanding the pathogenesis of gallstone disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojian Bai ◽  
Chen Jia ◽  
Zhigen Chen ◽  
Yuxuan Gong ◽  
Huwei Cheng ◽  
...  

AbstractWith exquisite design and unique style, the painted sculptures of Tutang Buddha and two attendants Buddha in Jingyin Temple are precious cultural heritages of China. The sculpture of Tutang Buddha, which was carved from a mound and painted by ancient craftsmen, was rarely found in ancient China. However, due to natural and human factors, the sculptures were severely damaged. Obviously, they require urgent and appropriate protection and restoration. In this study, samples taken from the sculptures were analysed through multiple analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM) and granulometry. The analysis results enable us to infer the techniques used by the craftsmen in making the sculptures and provide a reliable evidence for the conservation and future protection of these and similar sculptures.


2012 ◽  
Vol 620 ◽  
pp. 314-319
Author(s):  
Nur Amira Mamat Razali ◽  
Fauziah Abdul Aziz ◽  
Saadah Abdul Rahman

Hardwood is wood from angiosperm trees. The characteristic of hardwood include flowers, endosperm within seeds and the production of fruits that contain the seeds. This paper aims to discuss the preparation and characterization of cellulose obtained from hardwood. The hardwood Merbau (Intsia bijuga) was chosen as raw material in this study. Alkaline treatment and delignification methods were used for the preparation of cellulose. Acid hydrolysis was employed to produce cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). The treated and untreated samples were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The final product, from both trated and untreated samples were then compared.


2021 ◽  
pp. 095400832110055
Author(s):  
Yang Wang ◽  
Yuhui Zhang ◽  
Yuhan Xu ◽  
Xiucai Liu ◽  
Weihong Guo

The super-tough bio-based nylon was prepared by melt extrusion. In order to improve the compatibility between bio-based nylon and elastomer, the elastomer POE was grafted with maleic anhydride. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to study the compatibility and micro-distribution between super-tough bio-based nylon and toughened elastomers. The results of mechanical strength experiments show that the 20% content of POE-g-MAH has the best toughening effect. After toughening, the toughness of the super-tough nylon was significantly improved. The notched impact strength was 88 kJ/m2 increasing by 1700%, which was in line with the industrial super-tough nylon. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the crystallization behavior of bio-based PA56, and the effect of bio-based PA56 with high crystallinity on mechanical properties was analyzed from the microstructure.


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