Biogenic calcium carbonate forms the inorganic component of seashells, otoliths, and many marine skeletons, and its formation is directed by an ordered template of macromolecules. Classical nucleation theory considers crystal formation to occur from a critical nucleus formed by the assembly of ions from solution. Using cryotransmission electron microscopy, we found that template-directed calcium carbonate formation starts with the formation of prenucleation clusters. Their aggregation leads to the nucleation of amorphous nanoparticles in solution. These nanoparticles assemble at the template and, after reaching a critical size, develop dynamic crystalline domains, one of which is selectively stabilized by the template. Our findings have implications for template-directed mineral formation in biological as well as in synthetic systems.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1169434 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Compression and water retention behavior of saline soil improved by MICP combined with activated carbon.
Sci Rep
December 2024
Department of Civil and Smart Construction Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China.
Saline soil is widely distributed in China and poses significant challenges to engineering construction due to its harmful effects, such as salt heaving, dissolution collapse, and frost heaving. The Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) method is an emerging environmental-friendly modification that can reduce or eliminate the environmental and engineering hazards of saline soil. To verify the feasibility of the MICP method for improving the properties of saline soil, laboratory tests were conducted to study the effects of salt content, activated carbon content and freeze-thaw cycles on the compression and water retention behavior of MICP modified saline soil.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExperimental study on optimization of pipe jacking mud mixture ratio based on MICP technology.
Sci Rep
December 2024
Nanyang Vocational College, Nanyang, 473000, China.
In the course of pipe jacking construction, the carrying-soil effect frequently arises, influenced by factors such as excavation unloading, ongoing disturbance from successive pipe sections, and the progressive accumulation of soil adhesion. The pipe jacking slurry serves as a critical agent for friction reduction and strata support, essential for the secure advancement of the construction process. This study introduces the Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) technology into the realm of pipe jacking slurry, aiming to enhance its friction-reduction capabilities and the stability of the soil enveloping the pipe.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFModelling components of nacre structure in silico: Interactions of a nacre peptide with chitin and an aragonite surface.
J Struct Biol
December 2024
Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (IACT-CSIC), Armilla 18100, Granada, Spain. Electronic address:
The nacre formation process is a fascinating phenomenon involving mineral phase transformations, self-assembly processes, and protein-mineral interactions, resulting in a hierarchical structure that exhibits outstanding mechanical properties. However, this process is only partially known, and many aspects of nacre structure are not well understood, especially at the molecular scale. To understand the interplay between components-aragonite, protein and chitin-of the structure of nacre observed experimentally, we investigate the interactions of a peptide that is part of the protein lustrin A, identified in the nacreous layer of the shell of the abalone Haliotis rufescens, with the (001) crystal surface of aragonite and the chitin molecule.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRadiocarbon Dating of Gallstones for Timeline of Formation, Dormancy Analysis, and Correlation with Chemical/Microbial Composition: A Pilot Study on Gallstone Geobiology.
J Gastrointest Surg
December 2024
Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India. Electronic address:
Background: India has a high incidence of gallstones, which can cause chronic inflammation and increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. Understanding the age and composition of gallstones can provide insights into their formation and growth. This study used ¹⁴C dating, FTIR, and metagenome analysis to explore the natural history, deposition rate, and microbial/chemical composition of gallstones.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCalcium-organic matter fouling in nanofiltration: Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence and absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy for speciation.
Water Res
December 2024
Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany. Electronic address:
Calcium (Ca)-enhanced organic matter (OM) fouling of nanofiltration (NF) membranes leads to reduced flux during desalination and requires frequent cleaning. Fouling mechanisms are not fully understood, which limits the development of targeted fouling control methods. This study employed synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy to quantify the spatial distribution and mass of Ca deposition as well as changes in the Ca coordination environment characteristic of specific fouling mechanisms, respectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!