Biogenic nanoparticles and mineral composition in the radula of chiton Acanthochiton rubrolineatus

Magnetite particles were confirmed to deposit in the radula of chiton Acanthochiton rubrolineatus , and these magnetite particles presented as chip-shaped pieces which were 150 nm in width. Many nano-scale crystals constructed each piece of the magnetite particles. The mean size of a single crystal was 52 nm in diameter. Calcium composites were found to coexist with iron minerals. The total amount of magnetite in the chiton radula was 10% (w/w) of the radula weight, and 41% (w/w) of the total minerals. Eight metal elements were measured in the chiton radula, among which iron was a major element (14.6%, w/w) of the radula, followed by sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, chromium, manganese and cobalt in turn.