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Selective Formation of Metastable Ferrihydrite in the Chiton Tooth
Author(s) -
Gordon Lyle M.,
Román Jessica K.,
Everly R. Michael,
Cohen Michael J.,
Wilker Jonathan J.,
Joester Derk
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201406131
Subject(s) - ferrihydrite , chemistry , mineralized tissues , biomineralization , molecule , metastability , precipitation , materials science , geology , organic chemistry , paleontology , adsorption , dentin , physics , meteorology , composite material
Metastable precursors are thought to play a major role in the ability of organisms to create mineralized tissues. Of particular interest are the hard and abrasion‐resistant teeth formed by chitons, a class of rock‐grazing mollusks. The formation of chiton teeth relies on the precipitation of metastable ferrihydrite (Fh) in an organic scaffold as a precursor to magnetite. In vitro synthesis of Fh under physiological conditions has been challenging. Using a combination of X‐ray absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that, prior to Fh formation in the chiton tooth, iron ions are complexed by the organic matrix. In vitro experiments demonstrate that such complexes facilitate the formation of Fh under physiological conditions. These results indicate that acidic molecules may be integral to controlling Fh formation in the chiton tooth. This biological approach to polymorph selection is not limited to specialized proteins and can be expropriated using simple chemistry.