In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of iron and calcium biomaterials in marine chiton teeth

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The future of biomaterial science in Australia depends upon the discovery and refinement of new materials. This project characterizes the biomaterials in the feeding apparatus of Australian marine chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Like many biological structures, chiton teeth are sophisticated composite materials that have been refined by evolution over millions of years. Initially composed of the polysaccharide chitin, these extremely hard teeth are mineralized with calcium and iron compounds and used to excavate the rocks on which they live, as they graze for food. Understanding the mechanism of biomineralization is vital for devising synthetic routes to composite materials for industrial purposes.