Abstract
Addition of charged polypeptides, in particular poly(aspartate), to supersaturated solutions of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) leads to unusual morphologies in the inorganic phase. The polymer causes deposition of CaCO 3 films, which appear to act as membranous substrates that mediate the growth of CaCO 3 crystals. Spherulitic vaterite aggregates with helical extensions, and distorted calcite crystals that contain spiral pits, have been produced. A correlation has been noted between the structures of the crystalline films and those of the crystal aggregates associated with them: i.e. films of spherulitic texture yield electron diffraction patterns characteristic of vaterite and support the growth of spherulitic vaterite aggregates whereas calcitic single-crystal mosaic films carry rhombohedral calicite crystals. These films and aggregates exhibit features reminiscent of the morphologies observed in biogenic minerals.
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