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MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TYPE I COLLAGEN FIBERS IN FOSSIL SAMPLES FROM THE BREAL DE OROCUAL, EDO. MONAGAS, VENEZUELA

Abstract:

The objective of this study was the chemical and morphological characterization of type I collagen fibers in a cortical bone sample of the humerus bone of a mammal belonging to the extinct genus Toxodon, whose fossil was extracted from “Breal de Orocual”, in Monagas state, Venezuela. The fossil bone samples measuring 1 cm long x 1 cm wide x 0.5 cm deep, were cut in half with a silicon carbide disc and subsequently polished with sandpaper. A preliminary analysis by FT-IR spectroscopy reveals the characteristic absorption bands corresponding to collagen protein. Morphological analysis was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. At the microstructural level, osteons with corresponding Havers, duct, lamellae and lacunae were observed, all of which are characteristic elements of the anatomical and structural unity of cortical bone. Collagen fibers were also observed. The final verification of the presence of the fibers was carried out at a sub-micrometer scale using Atomic Force Microscopy. The periodic spacing between bands, characteristic of this type of organic structures, was identified, thus revealing their existence and state of preservation.