Structural and Chemical Characterization of the Ediacaran Embryo-Like Fossils via the Combination of 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM Approaches

Qian Chen; Weichen Sun; Suping Wu; Zongjun Yin

doi:10.1007/s12583-024-0008-1

Volume 35 Issue 4

Aug 2024

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Journal of Earth Science > 2024 > 35(4): 1204-1214.

Qian Chen, Weichen Sun, Suping Wu, Zongjun Yin. Structural and Chemical Characterization of the Ediacaran Embryo-Like Fossils via the Combination of 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM Approaches. Journal of Earth Science, 2024, 35(4): 1204-1214. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0008-1

Citation:

Qian Chen, Weichen Sun, Suping Wu, Zongjun Yin. Structural and Chemical Characterization of the Ediacaran Embryo-Like Fossils via the Combination of 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM Approaches. Journal of Earth Science, 2024, 35(4): 1204-1214. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0008-1

Citation:

Qian Chen, Weichen Sun, Suping Wu, Zongjun Yin. Structural and Chemical Characterization of the Ediacaran Embryo-Like Fossils via the Combination of 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM Approaches. Journal of Earth Science, 2024, 35(4): 1204-1214. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0008-1

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Structural and Chemical Characterization of the Ediacaran Embryo-Like Fossils via the Combination of 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM Approaches

doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0008-1

Qian Chen^1
,,
Weichen Sun¹,
Suping Wu¹,
Zongjun Yin^{1, 2
,
,
,}

1.
State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
2.
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China

More Information

Corresponding author: Zongjun Yin, zjyin@nigpas.ac.cn
Received Date: 20 Nov 2023
Accepted Date: 14 Apr 2024

Available Online: 16 Aug 2024

Issue Publish Date: 30 Aug 2024

Abstract

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) morphology, anatomy, and in-situ chemical composition analysis of fossils are crucial for systematic paleontology and determining their phylogenetic positions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), offers valuable structural and chemical information for the analysis of fossils. However, its primary limitation is the restriction to two-dimensional surface data, which limits the exploration of fossils' 3D complexities. Conversely, 3D X-ray microscopy (3D-XRM), also known as a novel form of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) facilitates the non-destructive 3D reconstruction of fossil specimens. Nevertheless, it lacks the capability to provide in-situ compositional data. Acknowledging the constraints inherent in these individual techniques, and in response to the evolving requirements of paleontological research, this study introduces an integrated approach that combines 3D-XRM with EDS-coupled focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). This innovative strategy is designed to synergize the advantages of both techniques, thereby addressing challenges that conventional methods cannot. It enables the rapid identification of regions of interest (ROI) within fossil specimens at micrometer resolution. Subsequently, this method collects detailed data on both 3D structures and chemical compositions at the nanometer scale for the identified ROI. This integrated approach represents a significant advancement in paleontological and geological research methodologies, promising to meet the increasing demands of these fields.
- Embryo-like microfossils,
- structural and chemical characterization,
- 3D-XRM,
- FIB-SEM,
- 3D reconstruction

Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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References(40)

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Structural and Chemical Characterization of the Ediacaran Embryo-Like Fossils via the Combination of 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM Approaches

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