Mollusk shell formation: A source of new concepts for understanding biomineralization processes

Lia Addadi; Derk Joester; Fabio Nudelman; Steve Weiner

doi:10.1002/chem.200500980

Mollusk shell formation: A source of new concepts for understanding biomineralization processes

Lia Addadi^*, Derk Joester, Fabio Nudelman, Steve Weiner

^*Corresponding author for this work

Materials Science and Engineering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

613 Scopus citations

Abstract

The biological approach to forming crystals is proving to be most surprising. Mollusks build their shells by using a hydrophobic silk gel, very acidic aspartic acid rich proteins, and apparently also an amorphous precursor phase from which the crystals form. All this takes place in a highly structured chitinous framework. Here we present ideas on how these disparate components work together to produce the highly structured pearly nacreous layer of the mollusk shell.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	980-987
Number of pages	8
Journal	Chemistry - A European Journal
Volume	12
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.200500980
State	Published - Jan 23 2006

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Keywords

Biomineralization
Crystal growth
Gels
Mollusk shell
Nacre

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Catalysis
Organic Chemistry

Cite this

Addadi, L., Joester, D., Nudelman, F., & Weiner, S. (2006). Mollusk shell formation: A source of new concepts for understanding biomineralization processes. Chemistry - A European Journal, 12(4), 980-987. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.200500980

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Access to Document

10.1002/chem.200500980