Previous studies of pigmentation in bivalves have focused mainly on colorants occurring in marine species. Further, these studies have used primarily Raman spectroscopy as the characterization method. This study examines the pigments in select species of freshwater Unionidae mussels that have various gradations of purple color in their nacre, the inner shell layer. The color of the inner and outer part of the shell is described quantitatively using fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS). Both the nacre and outside layer of the mussel shells are also examined using Raman microscopy. Using a 532 nm laser, the Raman spectra of the nacre indicate a carotenoid pigment, while the detection of a Raman signal is difficult for the brown-green outside layer, suggesting that the coloring may be due to a structural element. To further identify the pigment, samples of the shell are removed, digested in acid, and then analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This presentation will elaborate on the color and pigments identified for freshwater Unionidae mussels using FORS, Raman spectroscopy, and LC-MS.

Colors in Unionidae mussels: Study using Raman spectroscopy, fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.