Reactions between Egg-shell Matrix and Metallic Cations

Abstract

The interaction between egg-shell matrix and various metal ions has been studied by considering the effect of these ions on the staining of the matrix by toluidine blue. The validity of the procedure and the influence of pH and various anions were tested. The main hypothesis to emerge was that the matrix acts as a chelating agent. Curves obtained when quantities of sodium hydroxide added to matrix were plotted against pH values were found to vary in position according to the absence or presence of cations and with different cations. This also supports the hypothesis that the matrix acts as a chelating agent. The significance of this in relation to the deposition of calcium carbonate as egg-shell is briefly discussed.