Hostname: page-component-6766d58669-nf276 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-05-23T23:33:15.561Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Using bacteria to make improved, nacre-inspiredmaterials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 February 2016

Dominik T. Schmieden
Affiliation:
Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
Anne S. Meyer*
Affiliation:
Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam*
Affiliation:
Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the 'Save PDF' action button.

Nacre (mother of pearl) is an attractive model for the development of newmaterials. Its sheet structure of alternating layers of calcium carbonate and anorganic matrix confers it highly desirable properties such as high toughness andstrength. In this study, we produce a nacre-inspired composite material usingonly bacterially-produced components. Calcium carbonate is crystallized via theaction of ureolytic bacteria. After each crystallization event, we applybacterially produced γ-polyglutamate (PGA) to the sample, whichpromotes layering compared to the PGA-free control. We show that the combinationof these two compounds yields a layered material reminiscent of nacre, showing away towards the biotechnological production of new, nacre-inspiredmaterials.

Information

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2016