Visualizing Complex Anatomical Structure in Bamboo Nodes Based on X-ray Microtomography
Elin Xiang, Shumin Yang, Cao Chunjie, Xing’e Liu, Guanyun Peng, Lili Shang, Genlin Tian, Qianli Ma, Jianfeng Ma
Abstract
In recent years, bamboo has been widely used in a broad range of applications, a thorough understanding of the structural characteristics of bamboo nodes is essential for better processing and manufacturing of biomimetic materials. This study investigated the complex anatomical structure for the nodes of two bamboo species, Indocalamus latifolius (Keng) McClure and Shibataea chinensis Nakai, using a high-resolution X-ray microtomography (μCT). The results show that the vascular bundle system in the nodal region of I. latifolius and S. chinensis is a net-like structure composed of horizontal and axial vascular bundles. Furthermore, the fiber sheath surrounding metaxylem vessels tended to be shorter in the tangential direction. This structure of bamboo nodes facilitates the tangential and axial transport of moisture and nutrients. The anatomical structure of I. latifolius and S. chinensis nodes has obvious differences, especially in the arrangement of vascular bundles. Vascular bundle frequency was significantly higher in S. chinensis nodes than in I. latifolius nodes. These findings indicate that μCT is a nondestructive three-dimensional imaging method that can used to examine the anatomical structure of bamboo nodes.