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Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning Electron Microscopy

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
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Revealing enameloid shark chemistry at the nanoscale.

Alberto Perez-Huerta^1,2, Eshita Samajpati¹, Gabriela A Farfan³

¹Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 35487, USA. aphuerta@ua.edu.

Faraday Discussions

|May 23, 2025

Summary

Shark teeth enameloid chemistry varies between modern and fossil species. Nanoscale analysis reveals differences in magnesium, sodium, and iron distribution, challenging assumptions of constant biomineralization processes throughout shark evolution.

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Area of Science:

Paleontology
Biomineralization
Geochemistry

Background:

Shark teeth are valuable bio-archives for reconstructing past environments.
Interpreting shark tooth chemistry relies on the assumption of consistent biomineralization processes over evolutionary time.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the nanoscale chemical composition of modern and fossil shark enameloid.
To test the assumption of constant biomineralization processes in shark tooth formation.

Main Methods:

Atom probe tomography (APT) was used to analyze the chemical composition of enameloid at the nanoscale.
Comparison of enameloid chemistry between modern (Isurus oxyrinchus) and fossil sharks (Striatolamia macrota, Macrorhizodus praecursor).

Main Results:

Distinct chemical differences were observed at the core and grain boundaries of fluorapatite crystals within shark enameloid.
Strontium enrichment was found at grain boundaries in all analyzed shark teeth.
Differential distribution of magnesium, sodium, and iron was identified between modern and fossil shark teeth.
Modern shark teeth showed magnesium and sodium at grain boundaries, while fossil teeth exhibited iron at boundaries and sodium at crystal cores.

Conclusions:

Biomineralization processes for shark enameloid formation are not constant across shark phylogeny.
Nanoscale chemical variations, including strontium, are linked to functional morphology.
Magnesium and sodium roles in shark enameloid formation may parallel those in mammalian enamel.