Synchrotron imaging reveals bone healing and remodelling strategies in extinct and extant vertebrates

DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0277
PMID: 24806709

Authors: J. Anne (University of Manchester) , Nicholas Edwards (University of Manchester) , R A Wogelius (University of Manchester) , A. R. Tumarkin-deratzian (Temple University, Philadelphia) , William Sellers (University of Manchester) , Arjen Van Veelen (University of Manchester) , U. Bergmann (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory) , D. Sokaras (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory) , R. Alonso-mori (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory) , Konstantin Ignatyev (Diamond Light Source) , Victoria Egerton (University of Manchester) , Phillip Manning (University of Manchester)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Journal Of The Royal Society Interface , VOL 11 (96) , PAGES 20140277 - 20140277

State: Published (Approved)
Published: July 2014

Abstract: Current understanding of bone healing and remodelling strategies in vertebrates has traditionally relied on morphological observations through the histological analysis of thin sections. However, chemical analysis may also be used in such interpretations, as different elements are known to be absorbed and used by bone for different physiological purposes such as growth and healing. These chemical signatures are beyond the detection limit of most laboratory-based analytical techniques (e.g. scanning electron microscopy). However, synchrotron rapid scanning–X-ray fluorescence (SRS–XRF) is an elemental mapping technique that uniquely combines high sensitivity (ppm), excellent sample resolution (20–100 µm) and the ability to scan large specimens (decimetre scale) approximately 3000 times faster than other mapping techniques. Here, we use SRS–XRF combined with microfocus elemental mapping (2–20 µm) to determine the distribution and concentration of trace elements within pathological and normal bone of both extant and extinct archosaurs (Cathartes aura and Allosaurus fragilis). Results reveal discrete chemical inventories within different bone tissue types and preservation modes. Chemical inventories also revealed detail of histological features not observable in thin section, including fine structures within the interface between pathological and normal bone as well as woven texture within pathological tissue.

Subject Areas: Environment, Materials, Biology and Bio-materials


Instruments: I18-Microfocus Spectroscopy

Other Facilities: SSRL

Added On: 03/07/2014 12:04

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