| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
BioNano Interfaces and Engineering Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Structural Development and Phase Transformation of Mesocrystalline Iron Oxides in the Ultrahard Teeth of Cryptochiton Stelleri |
| Author(s) |
Taifeng Wang, Wei Huang, Wen Yang, Satoshi Murata, Atsushi Arakaki, David Kisailus |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Taifeng Wang |
| Abstract Scope |
Many organisms synthesize complex, hierarchical, materials through mineralization processes under environmentally benign conditions. One such example are the ultrahard and wear-resistant radular teeth found in mollusks, which are used to scape against rock for food. Here, we reveal the biomineralization-controlled structural development of the hard, outer magnetite-containing shell of the teeth. We identify the formation of mesocrystalline iron oxides, initially consisting of ferrihydrite mesocrystals displaying an underlying spherulite-like morphology. In addition, we identified an interpenetrating organic matrix that likely consists of chitin-binding proteins with an affinity for iron sequestration. It is these organics that guide the nucleation and growth of the mesocrystalline oxide phase. These hierarchically arranged particles subsequently undergo a solid-state phase topotactic transformation to form mesocrystalline magnetite. Additional growth via Ostwald ripening leads to single crystalline octahedral magnetite particles around the mesocrystalline spherulite, which eventually yield continuous nanorods, which provide both strength and toughness to the mature teeth. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Characterization, |