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An artificial biomineral formed by incorporation of copolymer micelles in calcite crystals
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An artificial biomineral formed by incorporation of copolymer micelles in calcite crystals
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Journal Article
An artificial biomineral formed by incorporation of copolymer micelles in calcite crystals
2011
Overview
Biominerals exhibit morphologies, hierarchical ordering and properties that invariably surpass those of their synthetic counterparts. A key feature of these materials, which sets them apart from synthetic crystals, is their nanocomposite structure, which derives from intimate association of organic molecules with the mineral host. We here demonstrate the production of artificial biominerals where single crystals of calcite occlude a remarkable 13?wt% of 20?nm anionic diblock copolymer micelles, which act as ‘pseudo-proteins’. The synthetic crystals exhibit analogous texture and defect structures to biogenic calcite crystals and are harder than pure calcite. Further, the micelles are specifically adsorbed on {104} faces and undergo a change in shape on incorporation within the crystal lattice. This system provides a unique model for understanding biomineral formation, giving insight into both the mechanism of occlusion of biomacromolecules within single crystals, and the relationship between the macroscopic mechanical properties of a crystal and its microscopic structure.
Biominerals exhibit properties, morphologies and hierarchical ordering that invariably surpass those of their synthetic counterparts. Artificial biominerals consisting of calcite crystals incorporating copolymer micelles have now been produced. The synthetic crystals show analogous texture and defect structures to biogenic calcite crystals and are harder than pure calcite.
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group UK,Nature Publishing Group
