Magnesium-aspartate-based crystallization switch inspired from shell molt of crustacean

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0909040106
• Publication Date: 2009-12-11T02:30:48Z
• Authors: Jinhui Tao; Dongming Zhou; Zhisen Zhang; Xurong Xu; Ruikang Tang
• Keywords: Amorphous calcium carbonate; Amorphous calcium phosphate

Many animals such as crustacean periodically undergo cyclic molt of the exoskeleton. During this process, amorphous calcium mineral phases are biologically stabilized by magnesium and reserved for subsequent rapid formation new shell tissue. However, it is a mystery how living organisms can regulate transition precursor precisely. We reveal that mineralization from precursors associated with presence Asp-rich proteins. It suggested cooperative effect compound result into crystallization switch in biomineralization. Our vitro experiments confirm increases lifetime carbonate phosphate solution so be temporarily switched off. Although Asp monomer alone inhibits pure minerals, actually reduces stability magnesium-stabilized to on transformation crystallized phases. These modification effects kinetics understood an Asp-enhanced desolvation model. The interesting magnesium-Asp-based inspired lesson nature, which developed advanced strategy control material fabrications.