Synthesis of Functional Hybrid Materials through Approaches Inspired by Biomineralization

Abstract

Biominerals such as bones, teeth, the nacre of shells, and spicules of sea urchins are organic-inorganic hybrids. They have highly controlled hierarchical and complex structures. The formation processes of these biominerals are controlled by macromolecular templates of proteins, peptides, and polysaccharides in mild conditions. Biominerals have attracted much attention, because materials scientists can obtain the idea from their hierarchical structures, properties, and formation processes for use in creating synthetic, and biomimetic materials. This review highlights our recent approaches on bioinspired syntheses for the development of organic/CaCO₃ hybrids using macromolecular templates. The cooperative interactions between soluble acidic polymers and insoluble matrices have affected the CaCO₃ crystallization. Their polymorph, orientation, and complex structures can be tuned by the conditions. These materials have great potentials for new functional materials.