We demonstrate nanoscale architectures in real biominerals and their biomimetics. Mimicking biomineralization, that is, crystal design in association with organic molecules, has been demonstrated in recent years. Although the macroscopic morphologies in real biominerals and biomimetics have been extensively studied, the nanoscopic structures in terms of the crystal growth are still not fully understood. We show that both materials form oriented architectures of bridged nanocrystals with incorporated organic polymers. The growth of nanocrystals by association with polymers is a significant step for the understanding and developing of crystal growth. The strategy could be applied to various systems in nanoscale crystal growth leading to functional materials.
Mother‐of‐pearl has a three‐level nanoscopic‐to‐macroscopic hierarchical architecture, which provides storage for organic molecules at the nanoscale. A material that mimics the hierarchical architecture and nanostorage properties of nacre emerges from the simple crystallization of potassium sulfate and poly(acrylic acid) (see picture).
Transparent and stable composites of calcium carbonate and an acidic macromolecule are obtained at mild conditions. The nanosegregated structure is formed in the amorphous composite materials in the bulk and thin‐film states. The transparent, stable, and crack‐free thin films might be beneficial for coating of materials.
We have found a novel type of morphological chiral tuning on inorganic helical crystals through stereochemical recognition of organic molecules. Helical forms consisting of twisted twins emerged from triclinic crystals under diffusion-limited conditions. The proportion of the right- and left-handed helices was precisely tuned with the addition of a specified amount of chiral molecules, such as d- and l-glutamic acids. The chiral molecules recognized the enantiomeric surface of the triclinic crystal and then changed the growth behavior of the helical morphology. As a result, the microscopic chiral information, at a molecular level, was amplified into the macroscopic helices consisting of inorganic achiral components.
The sponge skeleton of the spine of sea urchins is found to be generated from nanocrystals 20–50 nm in size (main image). The nanocrystals make up the oriented architectures of various living species (see insets) in association with biopolymers; together they are in the form of inorganic–organic nanocomposites. This nanoengineering strategy offers the promise of the construction of unique macroscopic morphologies.
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