On stars and spikes: Resolving the skeletal morphology of planktonic Acantharia using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography and deep learning image segmentation
On stars and spikes: Resolving the skeletal morphology of planktonic Acantharia using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography and deep learning image segmentation
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DOI：
10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.037
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发表时间：
2023-02-27
影响因子：
9.7
通讯作者：
Merk，Vivian
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Somu，Dawn Raja;Cracchiolo，Timothy;Merk，Vivian
棘尾藻(棘刺区)是广泛分布的海洋原生动物，是生物圈中罕见的硫酸锶矿化实例之一。它们的内骨骼由20个针状体组成，按照一种名为米勒原理的独特几何图案排列。鉴于刺五加类矿物结构的多样性，我们着手利用同步辐射X射线纳米层析成像技术在纳米尺度上研究复杂的三维骨骼形态，然后基于深度学习方法的图像分割。本研究的重点是毛刺目和棘毛目中粗壮的中央连接如何发出毛刺，侧毛羽翼的几何形状以及可能与细胞区划有关的棘间间隙的口袋。通过这些形态计量学研究，我们观察到与先前描述的针状体的空间排列有细微的偏离。根据我们的数据，针刺的形状是以相反的针刺来调整的，以适应整个针刺的排列。在所研究的所有类型中，在放射状针刺相交的区域发现了以前未知的椎间间隙，这可能对晶体生长机制和整体内骨骼完整性有影响。深入了解刺五加中的毛刺发生，可以为研究复杂的无机形状提供仿生途径。重要的陈述形态发生，形状的起源和控制，为定制无机材料提供途径。在这项工作中，我们探索了浮游棘藻复杂的骨骼组织，它是自然界中为数不多的硫酸锶生物矿化生物之一。通过使用纳米级X射线成像和深度学习图像分割，我们发现了与先前描述的几何图案和未发现的骨骼特征的偏差。具有复杂形状的无机材料的仿生合成对固态化学和纳米技术具有重要的意义。
Acantharia (Acantharea) are wide-spread marine protozoa, presenting one of the rare examples of strontium sulfate mineralization in the biosphere. Their endoskeletons consist of 20 spicules arranged according to a unique geometric pattern named Müller's principle. Given the diverse mineral architecture of the Acantharia class, we set out to examine the complex three-dimensional skeletal morphology at the nanometer scale using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography, followed by image segmentation based on deep learning methods. The present study focuses on how the spicules emanate from the robust central junction in the ordersSymphyacanthidaandArthracanthida, the geometry of lateral spicule wings as well as pockets of interspicular space, which may be involved in cell compartmentalization. Through these morphometric studies, we observed subtle deviations from the previously described spatial arrangement of the spicules. According to our data, spicule shapes are adjusted in opposite spicules as to accommodate the overall spicule arrangement. In all types examined, previously unknown interspicular interstices were found in areas where radial spicules meet, which could have implications for the crystal growth mechanism and overall endoskeletal integrity. A deeper understanding of the spiculogenesis in Acantharia can provide biomimetic routes towards complex inorganic shapes.Statement of significanceMorphogenesis, the origin and control of shape, provides an avenue towards tailored inorganic materials. In this work, we explored the intricate skeletal organization of planktonic Acantharia, which are amongst the few strontium sulfate biomineralizing organisms in nature. By using nanoscale X-ray imaging and deep learning image segmentation, we found deviations from previously described geometric patterns and undiscovered skeletal features. The bio-inspired synthesis of inorganic materials with complex shape has important ramifications for solid-state chemistry and nanotechnology.