Biomineralization: Biomimetic Potential at the Inorganic-Organic Interface

Abstract

The impetus for a biomimetic approach to mineralization stems from the need for increasingly sophisticated materials showing greater efficiency, specialization, and optimization—properties that ultimately depend on the control of molecular and supramolecular structure, and hence on methods of predictive chemical fabrication. Biomineralization is of central importance to the development of new approaches in materials science because, as discussed in the preceding article by Fink, the formation of bioinorganic materials, such as bones, shells, and teeth is highly regulated and responsive to the surrounding environment in a manner not achieved by conventional synthetic routes. Some possible areas of overlap are shown in Figure 1. As in the other areas of biomaterials discussed in this and next month's issue of the MRS Bulletin, there are two potential connections between the natural processes of biomineralization and the synthetic demands of materials science; first, the commercial exploitation of biologically derived, tailored materials, and second, the assimilation and adaptation of biological concepts and mechanisms into “artificial” materials design and synthesis. The former is an extension of biotechnology, by which microbial systems could be utilized to produce mineral powders. Some of the possible processes have been discussed elsewhere. In general, the use of biological sources is only applicable where the high production costs are offset by a marketable specialty product. While this is feasible for organic-based products such as polyhydroxybutyrate (see next month's MRS Bulletin) it imposes a severe limitation when we transfer the approach to biomineralization.

Principles of Crystal Nucleation and Growth

“…As discussed in the introduction, many lines of evidence suggest that organisms utilize this principle to control the location and orientation of nuclei. In addition, several experimental studies (Mann et al 1992;Heywood and Mann 1994;Wong et al 1994;Berman et al 1995;Archibald et al 1996;Addadi et al 1998;Aizenberg et al 1999aAizenberg et al ,b, 2003Travaille et al 2002) have used successfully used organic films to mimic the process. For example, Addadi et al (1997) showed that β-sheet polyaspartate adsorbed onto sulfonated polystyrene substrates induced nucleation of (001) oriented calcite crystals.…”

Synthesis of morphologically controlled lanthanum carbonate particles using ultrasound irradiation

“…The use of the inorganic±organic interface to achieve shape-controlled synthesis of inorganic materials is an emerging soft chemical route. 6 Speci®c molecular interactions at the inorganic±organic interface seem to control nucleation and growth, often stabilizing new modi®cations and morphologies. 7 Lanthanide compounds, especially oxides, are of interest with regard to their electric, catalytic and ceramic properties.…”

Synthesis of α‐cobalt(ii) hydroxide using ultrasound radiation

“…The use of the inorganic/organic interface to achieve controlled synthesis of inorganic materials is an emerging soft chemical route to novel solids. 1 Speci®c molecular interactions at the inorganic/organic interface seem to control nucleation and growth, often stabilizing new modi®cations. 2 Transition metal layered hydroxide materials, such as cobalt hydroxide and nickel hydroxide, have received increasing attention in recent years due to their many important technological applications.…”