Control of crystal polymorph in microfluidics using molluscan 28 kDa Ca2+-binding protein

Ji, B., Cusack, M. , Freer, A., Dobson, P.S. , Gadegaard, N. and Yin, H. (2010) Control of crystal polymorph in microfluidics using molluscan 28 kDa Ca2+-binding protein. Integrative Biology, 2, pp. 528-535. (doi: 10.1039/c0ib00007h) (PMID:20820629)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c0ib00007h

Abstract

Biominerals produced by biological systems in physiologically relevant environments possess extraordinary properties that are often difficult to replicate under laboratory conditions. Understanding the mechanism that underlies the process of biomineralisation can lead to novel strategies in the development of advanced materials. Using microfluidics, we have demonstrated for the first time, that an extrapallial (EP) 28 kDa protein, located in the extrapallial compartment between mantle and shell of Mytilus edulis, can influence, at both micro- and nanoscopic levels, the morphology, structure and polymorph that is laid down in the shell ultrastructure. Crucially, this influence is predominantly dependent on the existence of an EP protein concentration gradient and its consecutive interaction with Ca2+ ions. Novel lemon-shaped hollow vaterite structures with a clearly defined nanogranular assembly occur only where particular EP protein and Ca2+ gradients co-exist. Computational fluid dynamics enabled the progress of the reaction to be mapped and the influence of concentration gradients across the device to be calculated. Importantly, these findings could not have been observed using conventional bulk mixing methods. Our findings not only provide direct experimental evidence of the potential influence of EP proteins in crystal formation, but also offer a new biomimetic strategy to develop functional biomaterials for applications such as encapsulation and drug delivery.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Yin, Professor Huabing and Cusack, Professor Maggie and Dobson, Dr Phil and Gadegaard, Professor Nikolaj
Authors: Ji, B., Cusack, M., Freer, A., Dobson, P.S., Gadegaard, N., and Yin, H.
Subjects:Q Science > QH Natural history
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Integrative Biology
ISSN:1757-9694
Published Online:01 January 2010
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2010 Royal Society of Chemistry
First Published:First published in Integrative Biology 2:528-535
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
452471Understanding polymorph production and control in calcite/aragonite biomineralsAndrew FreerBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)BB/E025110/1Chemistry