Roland Kr枚ger - University of York (UK) - "Advanced Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy at the Materials Science/Life Science Interface"
"Advanced Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy at the Materials Science/Life Science Interface"
Dr. Roland Kr枚ger
University of York (UK), Department of Physics
Exciting opportunities have emerged in recent years with the progression of high-resolution and in situ characterization electron microscopy tools to clarify the nanoscale structure and formation process of many important biological and bioinspired materials. In particular, novel liquid cell transmission EM (TEM) and atmospheric scanning electron microscopy (ASEM) allow for the study of crystal growth and dissolution but also require a thorough understanding of the electron beam/sample interactions. We are concentrating on carbonate and phosphate based materials, which are the key mineral components in marine calcifiers and vertebrate skeletons. A main focus of our work lies on the impact of precipitation dynamics monitored with high spatial and temporal resolution. In the second part of my presentation I will discuss recent data obtained on mineral precipitate characterization in archaeological artefacts using electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. These studies provide key information e.g. on the history of the oldest mesolithic jewellery in Britain or nano- and microparticle incorporation in dental calculus revealing new insights into the living and working conditions of people through time.