Molecular Foundry Seminar

"Biomimetic Synthesis of Organic-Inorganic Composites
Mimicking the Nanostructure of Bones, Teeth, and Sea Shells "

Professor Laurie Gower, Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
University of Florida,
Tuesday, July 19th at 1:00 pm, Bldg. 67 - 3111

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Abstract:

A variety of biominerals, such as bones, teeth and sea shells, exhibit fascinating nanostructured and hierarchical architectures. These hard-tissue composites contain macromolecular species that not only contribute to the mechanical properties of the composite, but also mediate the formation of the mineral phase. Using an in vitro model system, we have been able to duplicate many of the crystallographic features of biominerals using a polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) mineralization process. In this process, biomimetic polypeptides are used to induce liquid-liquid phase separation in the crystallizing solution of calcium-based minerals. An amorphous phase is produced that is so highly hydrated, it has fluidic character. This allows it to be molded and shaped into a variety of structures, which upon solidification, leads to crystals which retain the shape of the precursor. Non-equilibrium crystal morphologies are the hallmark of biologically-formed crystals, thus we have proposed that this PILP process may play a fundamental role in the morphogenesis of biominerals. As proof-of-concept, we have been able to duplicate a variety of structures which mimic their biological counterparts, such as the nacreous tablets of mollusk shells, the fibrous minerals of teeth, and the nanostructured architecture of bone. By using a biomimetic approach, we anticipate being able to benefit from the two desirable aspects of biomineralization; (1) the ability to fabricate organic-inorganic composites with complex architectures; and (2) the ability to incorporate biological components into ceramic biomaterials.