HYDERABAD: Pigeon eggshell study offers insights for eco-friendly material design
HYDERABAD: Researchers at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad have found that pigeon eggshells contain structural features that could inform the design of future eco-friendly materials.
The findings were published on October 20 in Nature Scientific Reports under the title “Multiscale structural and crystallographic characterisation of pigeon eggshells and membranes as an evolutionary model for biomimetic applications”.
The study was conducted by Juveria Iram, Adeel Ahmed and Aleem Basha. The team analysed fresh pigeon eggs (Columba livia) collected from local nests under non-invasive conditions.
Fine-scale structure examined
The shells were cleaned, dried and separated from their membranes using fine-tipped tweezers. They were then stored in desiccators to prevent moisture interference. Six units were studied, with samples kept at 16°C before examination.
Microscopic analysis showed that the shells consist of nano-sized calcite crystals bound with proteins. This created a porous but sturdy composite capable of supporting embryo development while allowing gas exchange.
“Pigeon eggshells are nature’s way of showing perfect efficiency,” Iram, the study’s lead researcher, said. “They are thin, porous and still remarkably strong. This combination keeps the shell light enough for gas exchange but tough enough to protect the embryo. It is a balance that even advanced synthetic materials rarely achieve.”
Why pigeons were chosen
Earlier studies largely focused on chicken eggs, which the researchers said have changed due to decades of selective breeding for industrial use.
“Chicken eggshells have changed through decades of selective breeding for industrial use,” Iram explained. “Pigeon shells represent nature’s own design. Studying them gives us a clearer picture of how structure and function co-evolved for strength, gas exchange and survival,” he added.
