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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 7406-7409 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | CrystEngComm |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 32 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 28 2014 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- General Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics