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) |
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Pages (from-to) | 980-987 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Chemistry - A European Journal |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 23 2006 |
Keywords
- Biomineralization
- Crystal growth
- Gels
- Mollusk shell
- Nacre
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Catalysis
- Organic Chemistry