Abstract
In this paper, the atomic structure of biogenic calcium carbonate is comprehensively reviewed with a focus on structural distinctions between biogenic and abiotic materials. We systematically describe most of the important experimental findings in this field from the first discovery of lattice distortions in biogenic aragonite, followed by observations that showed that anisotropic lattice distortions are widespread in biogenic calcite and aragonite produced by different organisms. We discuss the physical origin of this phenomenon and provide experimental evidences that lattice distortions originate from strong atomic interactions at organic/inorganic interfaces. We propose that lattice distortions are amplified at an early stage of biomineralization via an amorphous precursor and subsequent amorphous/crystalline phase transformation within a confined space outlined by organic macromolecules.
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