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Published on: August 16, 2019
A scanning and transmission electron microscopic study of the membranes of chicken egg
Abstract:
Questions regarding the structure of the inner and outer shell membranes of the chicken egg were addressed in this study by correlating observations from light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The egg membrane had a limiting membrane, which measured .9 to .15 microns in thickness and appeared to be a continuous and an impervious layer, but the shell membrane did not. Under the SEM, each membrane was seen to be made up of several fibre layers. In the tear preparations viewed under the SEM two layers were observed in the egg membranes and three to five layers in the shell membrane, with an apparent plane of cleavage between each layer. Each fibre was made up of a central core and an outer mantle layers. The central core was perforated by channels which measured .08 to 1.11 microns in diameter and ran longitudinally along the length of the fibre. Between the mantle layer and the fibre core was a gap or cleft measuring between .03 to .07 microns. The diameter of the fibres of the inner layer of the egg membrane ranged between .08 to .64 microns, whereas those of the outer layer of the same membrane ranged from .05 to 1.11 microns. Fibres in the shell membrane ranged from .11 to 4.14 microns diameter.
Insights
This study reveals the intricate fiber structures of chicken egg membranes using advanced microscopy. The findings detail the distinct layers and fiber composition of both the egg and shell membranes, offering new insights into their structural properties.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Materials Science
- Microscopy
Background:
- The structural integrity of chicken egg membranes is crucial for egg quality and preservation.
- Understanding the microscopic architecture of eggshell and inner membranes can inform food safety and packaging innovations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the detailed structure of chicken egg's inner and outer shell membranes.
- To correlate observations from light microscopy (LM) and scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM).
Main Methods:
- Correlative light and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) were employed.
- Tear preparations of membranes were analyzed under SEM to visualize layered structures.
- Fiber components, including core, mantle, channels, and gaps, were measured.
Main Results:
- The egg membrane possesses a continuous, impervious limiting layer (0.9-0.15 µm thick).
- SEM revealed multiple fiber layers in both membranes; egg membranes showed 2 layers, shell membranes 3-5 layers.
- Fibers consist of a central core (with channels 0.08-1.11 µm) and outer mantle, with a gap (0.03-0.07 µm) between them. Fiber diameters varied significantly between membrane types and layers.
Conclusions:
- Chicken egg membranes exhibit complex, multi-layered fibrous architectures.
- SEM provides detailed insights into the structural organization of eggshell and inner membranes.
- The distinct structural characteristics of these membranes warrant further investigation for potential applications.
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