MicroED: Unveiling the Structural Chemistry of Plant Biomineralisation

Plants are able to produce various types of crystals through metabolic processes, serving functions ranging from herbivore deterrence to photosynthetic efficiency. However, the structural analysis of these crystals has remained challenging due to their small and often imperfect nature, which renders traditional X-ray diffraction techniques unsuitable. This study explores the use of Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (microED) as a novel method for the structural analysis of plant-derived microcrystals, focusing on Armeria maritima (Milld.), a halophytic plant known for its biomineralisation capabilities. In this study, A. maritima plants were cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions with exposure to cadmium and thallium to induce the formation of crystalline deposits on their leaf surfaces. These deposits were analysed using microED, revealing the presence of sodium chloride (halite), sodium sulphate (thénardite), and calcium sulphate dihydrate (gypsum). Our findings highlight the potential of microED as a versatile tool in plant science, capable of providing detailed structural insights into biomineralisation processes, even from minimal and imperfect crystalline samples. The application of microED in this context not only advances the present understanding of A. maritima's adaptation to saline environments but also opens new avenues for exploring the structural chemistry of biomineralisation in other plant species. Our study advocates for the broader adoption of microED in botanical research, especially when dealing with challenging crystallographic problems.