Output details
15 - General Engineering
Brunel University London
Article title
Selective biodegradation of keratin matrix in feather rachis reveals classic bioengineering
Type
D - Journal article
Title of journal
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Article number
-
Volume number
277
Issue number
1685
First page of article
1161
ISSN of journal
1471-2954
Year of publication
2009
Number of additional authors
2
Additional information
The paper describes a new methodology, fungal degradation, for removing the matrix component from the shafts of feathers to reveal their underlying fibre structure. The method revealed that the feather shaft is composed of 6 micron diameter fibrils that bear hook-like projections (cyncitial nodes). The paper discusses the mechanical implications of both the observed patterns of fibre orientation and these nodes in relation to the mechanical functionality of the feather shaft. The nodes proved particularly interesting and it was proposed that they may act to prevent fibre pull out within the keratin composite.
Interdisciplinary
-
Cross-referral requested
-
Research group
None
Proposed double-weighted
No
Double-weighted statement
-
Reserve for a double-weighted output
No
Non-English
No
English abstract
-
