Elucidating the essential molecular interactions for nucleation of calcite by designer biological and bio-mimetic materials.
EMSL Project ID
61056
Abstract
Organisms produce hierarchically structured materials such as teeth, bones and skeletons through a process known as biomineralization. While the exact molecular details of the organic-inorganic interface are still lacking, it is known that organisms use macromolecules to control the nucleation and growth of these biominerals. Using biology as inspiration, the Baker lab at University of Washington and the Chen group at Pacific Northwest National Labs were able to design a protein (FD31-3rep) and peptoid ((NcpNce)6), respectively, that are both able to successfully nucleate the formation of calcite, the most common and highly stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. We plan to characterize the nucleation of calcite with FD31-3rep and (NcpNce)6 using solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (ssNMR) to gain a thorough understanding of the molecular interactions essential for calcite nucleation. These studies should provide the fundamental understanding needed for more accurate and efficient designs of macromolecules that can template the nucleation of inorganic materials.
Project Details
Project type
Contracted Time
Start Date
2023-11-10
End Date
N/A
Status
Active
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Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members