Abstract
A fabrication method of a multifunctional hybrid material is achieved by using the insoluble organic nacre matrix of the Haliotis laevigata shell infiltrated with gelatin as a confined reaction environment. Inside this organic scaffold magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are synthesized. The amount of MNPs can be controlled through the synthesis protocol therefore mineral loadings starting from 15 wt % up to 65 wt % can be realized. The demineralized organic nacre matrix is characterized by small-angle and very-small-angle neutron scattering (SANS and VSANS) showing an unchanged organic matrix structure after demineralization compared to the original mineralized nacre reference. Light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy studies of stained samples show the presence of insoluble proteins at the chitin surface but not between the chitin layers. Successful and homogeneous gelatin infiltration in between the chitin layers can be shown. The hybrid material is characterized by TEM and shows a layered structure filled with MNPs with a size of around 10 nm. Magnetic analysis of the material demonstrates superparamagnetic behavior as characteristic for the particle size. Simulation studies show the potential of collagen and chitin to act as nucleators, where there is a slight preference of chitin over collagen as a nucleator for magnetite. Colloidal-probe AFM measurements demonstrate that introduction of a ferrogel into the chitin matrix leads to a certain increase in the stiffness of the composite material.
Highlights
Biominerals, which are organic–inorganic hybrids and highly sophisticated materials with optimal assimilated properties, have evolved in nature
The hybrid material is characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and shows a layered structure filled with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) with a size of around 10 nm
Systematic studies showed that after eight reaction cycles the upper limit of mineral load is reached and further repetition does not lead to an increase in the mineral content
Summary
Biominerals, which are organic–inorganic hybrids and highly sophisticated materials with optimal assimilated properties, have evolved in nature. A fabrication method of a multifunctional hybrid material is achieved by using the insoluble organic nacre matrix of the Haliotis laevigata shell infiltrated with gelatin as a confined reaction environment. Nacre has a layered structure of aragonite platelets and an organic matrix mainly consisting of β-chitin covered with proteins [1]. Within this organic matrix we infiltrated gelatin to mimic the silk gel precursor inside the chitin nacre scaffold [3].
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