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Arthropod structure & development
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Item-typ:Veröffentlichung, Semi-automated differentiation of insect exo- and endocuticle in X-ray microtomographyOne of the most versatile and complex biological composite materials, the insect exoskeleton shows a huge range in biomechanical properties. The cuticle exoskeleton can be differentiated into two main histologically different layers with distinct properties: the outer, more sclerotized exocuticle and inner, softer endocuticle. For most biomechanical research questions, it is of great importance to be able to selectively characterize geometrical features of these layers. However, most conventional preparation methods (cross-sections, histological staining, SEM) require complex and destructive sample preparation, which provides only two-dimensional information. Here, we present a novel, simple staining method using X-ray microtomography to distinguish between exo- and endocuticle in a 3D environment without sample destruction. We illustrate the power of our method using locust (Locusta migratoria) hindleg tibia, a well characterized biomechanical sample. Our method allows an easy and direct measurement of exo- and endocuticle and their respective geometric features. Applying our method will help to understand the biomechanical role of exo- and endocuticle within an insect exoskeleton and will allow us to understand its composition and morphological features in more detail.Wissenschaftlicher ArtikelBand:66175 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item-typ:Veröffentlichung, Damage, repair and regeneration in insect cuticle: The story so far, and possibilities for the futureThe exoskeleton of an insect can contain countless specializations across an individual, across developmental stages, and across the class Insecta. Hence, the exoskeleton's building material cuticle must perform a vast variety of functions. Cuticle displays a wide range of material properties which are determined by several known factors: the amount and orientation of the chitin fibres, the constituents and degree of cross-linking and hydration of the protein matrix, the relative amounts of exo- and endocuticle, and the shape of the structures themselves. In comparison to other natural materials such as wood and mammal bone, relatively few investigations into the mechanical properties of insect cuticle have been carried out. Of these, very few have focussed on the need for repair and its effectiveness at restoring mechanical stability to the cuticle. Insect body parts are often subject to prolonged repeated cyclic loads when running and flying, as well as more extreme "emergency" behaviours necessary for survival such as jumping, wedging (squeezing through small holes) and righting (when overturned). What effects have these actions on the cuticle itself? How close to the limits of failure does an insect push its body parts? Can an insect recover from minor or major damage to its exoskeleton "bones"? No current research has answered these questions conclusively.Wissenschaftlicher ArtikelBand:46Heft:1151 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item-typ:Veröffentlichung, Effect of sample treatment on biomechanical properties of insect cuticleExperimental limitations often prevent to perform biomechanical measurements on fresh arthropod cuticle samples. Hence, in many cases short- or long-term storage of samples is required. So far, it is not known whether any of the standard lab-techniques commonly used to fix or store insect cuticle samples in any way affects the biomechanical properties of the respective samples. In this paper we systematically address this question for the first time, with a focus on practical, easily accessible and common lab-methods including storage in water, ethanol, glutaraldehyde, freezing and desiccation. We performed a comprehensive and sensitive non-destructive Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) on locust hind leg tibiae using a three-point-bending setup. Our results show that from all tested treatments, freezing samples at -20 °C was the best option to maintain the original values for Young's modulus and damping properties of insect cuticle. In addition, our results indicate that the damping properties of locust hind legs might be mechanically optimized in respect to the jumping and kicking direction.Wissenschaftlicher ArtikelBand:46Heft:1115