A High-Throughput Crystallization Device to Study Biomineralization in Vitro
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t Crystallization Device to Study Biomineralization in Vitro Alexander Becker and Matthias Epple MRS Proceedings / Volume 873 / 2005 DOI: 10.1557/PROC873K12.1
Link to this article: http://journals.cambridge.org/abstract_S1946427400116471 How to cite this article: Alexander Becker and Matthias Epple (2005). A HighThroughput Crystallization Device to Study Biomineralization in Vitro. MRS Proceedings,873, K12.1 doi:10.1557/PROC873K12.1 Request Permissions : Click here
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Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 873E © 2005 Materials Research Society
K12.1.1
A high-throughput crystallization device to study biomineralization in vitro Alexander Becker and Matthias Epple* Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstrasse 5-7, D45117 Essen (Germany), e-mail [email protected]
ABSTRACT A new crystallization device, based on a constant-composition double-diffusion setup, was constructed to study biomineralization in vitro. The device was tested with poly(aspartic acid) as a model additive in the precipitation of calcium carbonate, showing a complete crystal growth inhibition.
INTRODUCTION Generally speaking, three major crystallization processes can be distinguished. First, we have geological crystallization which occurs over long periods of time, often at high temperatures and pressures. The resulting crystals are large and usually highly ordered. Second, chemical crystallization is carried out in the laboratory or in industry, sometimes in very large scale. Usually, small and relatively disordered crystals result from this fast precipitation. Third, biological crystallization, also termed biomineralization, occurs in living organisms. Typically, a slow precipitation close to ambient temperature and pressure occurs under the influence of biological macromolecules. Quite often, delicate structures with special mechanical properties are formed, with shells, bone, teeth, spines, being prominent examples. Living organisms produce over 60 different biominerals [1-4] and more are still discovered [5,6]. The reason for the special shape of many biominerals is a close interaction between the growing inorganic crystal and specialized biomolecules [7-13]. Biological macromolecules (mostly proteins) are often found within crystals or at the interface between cells and crystals [14]. They may adsorb on specific crystallographic faces and therefore decrease the growth rate of these, giving the crystal a special morphology [15]. An integration of biomolecules into the biomineral can lead to an increased mechanical stability by preventing cracks in the inorganic crystal [16,17]. In an even more general way, the external crystallization conditions influence the resulting crystal phase and morphology. Namely, temperature and ion concentrations including the pH are of major importance. Organisms are able to keep most of these constant by creating secluded compartments in which crystallization occurs. The mo
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