Templated and self-limiting calcite formation directed by coccolith organic macromolecules. Issue 55 (26th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gal, Assaf; Wirth, Richard; Barkay, Zahava; Eliaz, Noam; Scheffel, André; Faivre, Damien
• Is Part Of: Chemical communications. Volume 53:Issue 55(2017)
• Page Start: 7740
• Page End: 7743
• Publication Date: 2017-06-26
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/c7cc03639f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-7345

Abstract

Abstract : Soluble macromolecules and insoluble organic templates of biological origin facilitate a two-step crystallization process that results in thin, single-crystalline films of calcite. Abstract : The formation of intricately shaped crystalline minerals by organisms is orchestrated by specialized biomacromolecules. The macromolecules associated with coccoliths, nanometer-sized calcite crystal arrays produced by marine microalgae, can form a distinct calcium-rich phase via macromolecular recognition. Here, we show that this calcium-rich phase can be mineralized into a thin film of single-crystalline calcite by the balanced addition of carbonate ions. Such a crystallization process provides a strategy to direct crystalline products via local interactions between soluble macromolecules and compatible templates.