Preliminary characterization of organic nucleator and framework macromolecules in mollusc shells

Richard Humbert, M. Sarikaya, I. A. Aksay, J. W. Crabb, C. E. Furlong

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The nacreous (mother-of-pearl) sections of molluscan shells are natural laminates of aragonitic calcium carbonate platelets and an organic matrix. The multi-edged platelets are sub-micrometer thick and surrounded on all sides by 10-20 nm-thick organic matrix that contains several proteins and polysaccharides. Our goal is to identify the components and structure of the organic matrix and determine their function in shell formation and organization. We have extracted organic material from red abalone-Haliotis rufescens, and chambered nautilus-Nautilus pompilius. From the soluble portion, we have partially purified two proteins and determined their amino acid compositions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)89-94
Number of pages6
JournalMaterials Research Society Symposium - Proceedings
Volume330
StatePublished - 1994
EventProceedings of the MRS Symposium - Boston, MA, USA
Duration: Nov 29 1993Dec 3 1993

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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