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Stabilization of amorphous calcium carbonate by specialized macromolecules in biological and synthetic precipitates
Author(s) -
Aizenberg Joanna,
Addadi Lia,
Weiner Stephen,
Lambert Gretchen
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.19960080307
Subject(s) - sponge spicule , amorphous calcium carbonate , amorphous solid , materials science , sponge , amorphous silica , biomineralization , macromolecule , layer (electronics) , chemical engineering , calcium carbonate , spicule , composite number , mineralogy , nanotechnology , crystallography , composite material , geology , chemistry , paleontology , biochemistry , engineering
Composite structures in which amorphous and crystalline phases coexist are formed by some organisms. The spicules of the sponge Clathrina are shown to be composed of a crystalline calcitic core and an outer layer of amorphous CaCO 3 (see figure). The latter material, normally a highly unstable mineral, is stabilized in vitro by macromolecules extracted from the outer sponge spicule layer. The combination of crystalline and stabilized amorphous phases may have important implications for materials applications.