Skip to main content

Biomineralization Study of Otoconia by Atomic Force Microscopy


EMSL Project ID
48113

Abstract

In this proposal, we are going to use ex situ and in situ atomic force microscopy to investigate the role of four key key proteins in the formation of otoconia. We will observe adsorption and self-assembly of these proteins on mica surfaces and their role in directing mineralization of calcium carbonate. From measurements of the calcite nucleation rate as a function of supersaturation, we will determine the interfacial energies that control the thermodynamic barriers to nucleation. From observations of the location of nucleation on the protein matrices, we will determine whether there are preferential sites for nucleation. We will also perform in situ studies of the effects of these proteins on the growth of atomic steps on calcite surfaces, in order to obtain insight into their interactions with the steps and the resulting control on crystal morphology. In future work, we will use measurements of the interaction force between protein functionalized tips and calcite surfaces to determine the binding free energies and relate them to the thermodynamic barrier to calcite nucleation on these matrices.

Project Details

Start Date
2013-07-08
End Date
2013-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

James De Yoreo
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Chunlong Chen
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory