Comparison of the soluble matrices of the calcitic prismatic layer of Pinna nobilis (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Pteriomorpha).

The calcitic prisms of the outer layer of the shell of Pinna nobilis, surrounded by thick organic walls, contain a soluble intracrystalline matrix. The structure and composition of the outer interprismatic walls are not well known. The current viewpoint is they are composed of an insoluble matrix. Another thick organic structure, the interlamellar sheet of the nacreous layer, is composed of insoluble and soluble matrices. The composition of two sets of soluble organic matrices from the calcitic layer of Pinna nobilis, extracted with and without the organic walls are compared. According to the various analyses (SEM and AFM, UV and FTIR spectrometry, HPLC, electrophoreses, XANES), the main characteristics of the two matrices are similar, but not identical. Thus, the organic walls contain soluble components. However, the three-layered structure of the interlamellar sheet of the nacreous layer has not been observed.