contrast to earlier work that polymorph controlled by networks of insoluble protein
matrix extracted from shells. AIM of aragonite and vaterite pearls were used as
templates in in vitro experiments, and results showed that perfect calcite crystals
were formed on both two templates. The crystal sizes were all 30 mm, which
showed that AIM alone has no influences on crystal polymorphs or morphologies.
The crystals deposited on AIM templates were considered to be formed in solution
and then fell onto the template.
6.4.2.2 Amino Acid Template
Construction of organic–inorganic hybrid materials with controlled mineralization
analogous to those produced by nature is now of current interest for both organic
Fig. 6.20 In vitro growth process of nacre-like aragonite tablets on the surface of aragonite pearl
(a) 10 min, (b) 30 min, (c) 1 h, (d) 2 h, (e) 3 h, (f) 10 h (Qiao et al. 2008a)
180
Q. Feng