New Nanofabrication Strategies: Inspired by Biomineralization
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Strategies: Inspired by Biomineralization Joanna Aizenberg
This article is based on the Fred Kavli Distinguished Lectureship in Nanoscience presentation given by Joanna Aizenberg (Harvard University) on April 13, 2009 at the Materials Research Society Spring Meeting in San Francisco, CA. The Kavli Foundation supports scientific research, honors scientific achievement, and promotes public understanding of scientists and their work. Its particular focuses are astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience.
Abstract Nature produces a wide variety of exquisite mineralized tissues, fulfilling diverse functions. Organisms exercise a level of molecular control over the detailed nano- and microstructure of the biomaterials that is unparalleled in today’s technology. Our understanding of the underlying design principles of biomaterials provides ample opportunities for developing new approaches to materials fabrication at the nanometer and micrometer scale. It is clear that valuable materials lessons can be taught by any organism. I will exemplify this point by describing new nano- and microfabrication strategies and devices that have been inspired by the studies of biomineralization in echinoderms. The topics will include self-assembly, control of crystallization, synthesis of adaptive optical structures, hybrid materials, and novel actuation systems at the nanoscale level.
nanotechnology can be derived and learned from this system. I will show some interesting lessons in crystal growth,7–30 dynamic nano- and microstructured optics,31–37 actuation at the nanometer scale,38–40 and fascinating examples of selfassembly.41,42 I will also demonstrate how to improve materials design and device fabrication based on the study of echinoderms.
Lessons in Nanofabrication of Crystalline Materials The common theme in my research is the understanding of biomineralization strategies. Nature uses minerals for a wide variety of functions, the most basic of which is the skeletal design and mechanical protection.43–45 In the case of echinoderms, entire skeletons are built out of calcite crystals. Calcium carbonate, in the form of calcite, in geological specimens or in crystals that are grown in the laboratory are “normal,” somewhat boring, crystals; they always grow as perfectly faceted {104} rhombohedra. Easy cleavage along these facets brings about the major problem of calcite as the structural material— its brittleness. The same calcite, however, is used by nature to construct the skeleton of echinoderms, and its shape reveals unusual curved, beautiful forms and nano- and microscale porosity. Each skeletal element of an echinoderm—its test plates and spines—is composed of one single crystal of calcite. If we examine a
Introduction I was nominated for this award by the Biomechanics Symposium with the expectation that I would probably talk about biologically formed nanostructured glass and the lessons we can learn from these organisms. It would have been a wonderful topic indeed. Just take a look at an amazing creature—a deep-sea sponge (F
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