Calcium Carbonate Crystallization and Inhibition

Nautilus shell morphomics reveals microstructural heterogeneity alongside structural continuity across component boundaries

This study examines the microstructural composition of nautilus shells, identifying five microstructural types organized in layered architectures across different shell components and ontogenetic stages.

Crystallization of magnesium calcite otoconia in the inner ear of the developing quail

The paper reconstructs the developmental crystallization of lagena otoconia in Japanese quail using multiscale imaging and materials analysis, showing how magnesium calcite biominerals form through particle growth and alignment.

Novel insights into conserved biomineralization mechanisms revealed from a cold-water scleractinian coral skeletal proteome

The paper compares the skeletal proteomes of three coral species to identify a conserved biomineralization toolkit across different environments and symbiotic statuses.

Templating and confining calcium phosphate mineralization within designed protein assemblies

This study shows that computationally designed proteins can template and confine hydroxyapatite mineralization, providing a framework for programmable protein-guided mineralization.

Controlling metal-carbonate phase, form, and function through de novo protein design

This study designs proteins to control the phase, form, and function of metal-carbonate materials, demonstrating their use as electrocatalysts for alkaline water splitting.

Molecular dynamics insights into biomineralisation mediated by acidic intrinsically disordered proteins: a case study of molluscan Aspein from the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata

The paper uses molecular dynamics simulations to show how Aspein, an acidic protein from pearl oysters, controls calcium carbonate polymorphism by sequestering Ca2+ and stabilizing calcite over aragonite.

Intracellular photonic crystals in photosynthetic sea slugs form via a kidney-mediated biomineralisation pathway

The paper identifies a novel biomineralisation pathway in photosynthetic sea slugs that produces intracellular photonic crystals via the kidney, resulting in bright colored regions.

Rare shell colours in bivalves reveal multiple evolutionary pathways to blue and green colouration

The paper identifies the biochemical basis of green and blue shell colors in bivalves, revealing multiple evolutionary pathways involving pigments and nanostructures.

Carbon dioxide sequestration into biomineral armor by ants

This study shows fungus-farming ants convert atmospheric CO2 into biomineral armor, offering a natural example of carbon sequestration that could inform climate change mitigation strategies.

Crystal interface mechanics of cold-water coral skeletons

This study investigates the mechanical behavior of cold-water coral skeletons by analyzing interface compositions between aragonite crystals using molecular dynamics simulations, revealing how different interfaces control strength and toughness.

Radular teeth matrix protein 1 directs iron oxide deposition in chiton teeth

The paper identifies RTMP1 as a key molecule involved in iron oxide deposition in chiton teeth through immunofluorescence and recombinant protein experiments.

Analysis of Finnish blue mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) shell: Biomineral ultrastructure, organic-rich interfacial matrix and mechanical behavior

This study characterizes the ultrastructure, organic matrix, and mechanical properties of the shell of the Finnish blue mussel, revealing structural gradients and unique biomineralization features.