Engineering of crystal surfaces and subsurfaces by framework biomineralization protein phases

Eric P. Chang, Jennie A. Russ, Andreas Verch, Roland Kröger, Lara A. Estroff, John Spencer Evans

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    We report an interesting phenomenon whereby a framework mollusk shell nacre protein, n16.3, facilitates a two-stage crystal growth process. This protein forms phases that permit initial calcite growth, then via direct contact introduce textured mineral overgrowth to these core crystals in a directional fashion, and, create subsurface nanoporosities within these crystals. This phenomenon is an example of crystal modification and assembly directed by a biomineralization protein phase and we believe this framework protein-driven process is important for the assembly of the nacre shell layer. Similar phase-based approaches could be used to engineer a variety of inorganic crystals for technological applications. This journal is

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)7406-7409
    Number of pages4
    JournalCrystEngComm
    Volume16
    Issue number32
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Aug 28 2014

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Chemistry
    • General Materials Science
    • Condensed Matter Physics

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